Awka Zone has emerged overall champion of the 2026 Anambra State Basic Education Sports Competition, organised by the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), highlighting the role of sports in nurturing confident, disciplined and well-rounded pupils.
The state finals, held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Awka City Stadium, saw Awka Zone win seven gold, eight silver and six bronze medals to clinch the ₦300,000 star prize. Onitsha Zone finished second with five gold, four silver and three bronze medals, earning ₦200,000, while Aguata Zone came third with four gold, three silver and three bronze medals to receive ₦100,000.
In the U-12 boys’ football final, Aguata Zone defeated Onitsha Zone 1–0, courtesy of a 16th-minute goal by Chidera Umennabuike of Town School, Igboukwu. Otuocha Zone secured third place with a 1–0 victory over Nnewi Zone, thanks to a goal by Obinna Nnalue of Premier Primary School, Otuocha.
Addressing participants at the event, the Executive Chairman of ASUBEB, Dr. Justina Chinyere Anyadiegwu, described the competition as more than a sporting contest, noting that it provides opportunities to discover young talents, build character and encourage pupils to excel beyond the classroom.
She explained that the initiative aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s human capital development agenda, emphasising that quality basic education must go beyond literacy and numeracy to develop confidence, teamwork, discipline, resilience and leadership skills.
According to her, ASUBEB is committed to nurturing pupils who are not only academically sound but also healthy, confident and equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
Dr. Anyadiegwu noted that sports provides a valuable platform for children to discover their strengths, respect rules, work collaboratively and develop the resilience to handle both success and setbacks.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Soludo for creating opportunities for children to learn, grow and fulfil their potential. She also acknowledged UBEC’s support for basic education and commended the Commissioners for Education and Youth Development and Sports for their contributions to education and sports development in the state.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, commended ASUBEB for providing a platform to identify and nurture sporting talents from an early age.
Agha Mba pledged his ministry’s continued support for sports development and appreciated the governor for creating an enabling environment for the sector.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Oguguo, described the competition as an important complement to classroom learning and praised the ASUBEB team for successfully coordinating the event.
Representing the UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, the UBEC South-East General Secretary for Sports, Dr. Philip Omeri, said sports was an integral component of basic education, contributing to pupils’ physical, mental and social development.
Dr. Anyadiegwu also recognised the contributions of education administrators, school heads, teachers, coaches and sports officials, with special commendation for the Director of Academic Services and the Sports Desk Officer for their roles in coordinating the competition. She equally appreciated parents and guardians for encouraging their children’s participation.
Addressing the pupils, she urged them to uphold fair play, respect officials and treat fellow competitors with dignity, stressing that good character and perseverance matter as much as medals. She encouraged them to celebrate victories with humility, accept defeat gracefully and remain confident in their abilities.
