By Amaechi Agbo

Nsukka Education Zone has emerged champion of the 2026 Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Secondary Schools Sports Championship. The competition concluded on Saturday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Nsukka Zone won the coveted trophy after finishing with 12 gold, 7 silver and 2 bronze medals to retain the crown for the third consecutive period

Enugu Zone came second with 6 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals, while Awgu Zone placed third with 3 gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze medals. Udi Zone finished fourth with 3 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze medals.

Agbani Zone came fifth with 2 silver and 1 bronze medal, while Obollo Zone were left in the bottom of the medals table with no medals

In the exciting male football event, Udi football team came from a goal down to defeat Awgu 2–1 to win the gold medal. In the female football category, Nsukka Zone defeated their Awgu counterparts 2–0 to clinch the gold medal.

An athlete, Uche Joshua, winner of the 100 metres, 200 metres, and 4 × 100 metres relay with the Enugu Zone, expressed happiness that the championship helped him showcase his talent in athletics. He commended the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB) for organizing a hitch-free event.

In his address, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, appreciated Governor Peter Mbah for his vision and leadership in sports development in the state. He also commended the Chairman of the PPSMB, Hillary Mgbodile, for the strong partnership and dedication that ensured the success of the championship.

He noted that this year’s state finals were the culmination of an extensive state-wide competition that began with zonal preliminaries held from 17 February to 7 March 2026. During that period, 222 secondary schools across Enugu State participated in qualifying competitions in the six educational zones of Agbani, Awgu, Enugu, Nsukka, Udi and Obollo and congratulated all the participating zones and the winners for their victory.

From the preliminary contests, 424 outstanding student-athletes were selected to represent their zones at the finals in Athletics, Football, Volleyball and Table Tennis, competing in both boys’ and girls’ categories.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the PPSMB, Hillary Mgbodile, expressed happiness over the success of the games and thanked the commissioner for partnering with the Board to revive school sports in the state.

He emphasized that the championship was designed specifically for bona fide students of secondary schools, rather than academy players.

Since its inception in 2024, Nsukka Zone has won all three editions.