By Victor Okoye
The organisers of the 6th Federal Education Sector Games (FEDUGAM) Rivers 2026 on Tuesday conducted draws for the football event at the Federal Ministry of Education Headquarters in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that five teams will compete in the tournament, with defending champions TETFUND receiving a bye into the semi-finals.National Library will face UBEC in Group A, while NECO will take on the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) in Group B.The best losing team from the group stage will play TETFUND in the semi-finals.Winners of Groups A and B will clash in the second semi-final to determine the finalists.
The football final is scheduled for May 23 at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers.FEDUGAM Rivers 2026 will hold from May 16 to May 23 in Port Harcourt, Rivers.The annual sports fiesta is organised for the Federal Ministry of Education and its agencies.
The competition is aimed at promoting peace, unity, friendship, and teamwork among workers in the education sector.NAN also reports that no fewer than 1,500 athletes from 15 agencies are expected to participate in 13 sporting events.
The games include football, volleyball, handball, basketball, tennis, badminton, and athletics.Other events are scrabble, chess, table tennis, ayoo, darts, and draught.Male and female athletes will compete in all events except football, which is reserved for male teams.
The organisers also unveiled the official mascot, “Port Harcourt Eagle,” for the games.The mascot symbolises strength, teamwork, perseverance, and fair play among participants.Chief Matthew Okeyinka, Consultant to FEDUGAM, said the games would further strengthen unity and cooperation among staff of the ministry and agencies.Okeyinka commended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers for supporting and hosting the tournament.“We appreciate the Rivers Government for embracing FEDUGAM and providing support for a successful competition,” he said.
He also praised the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for supporting sports development in the sector.Okeyinka further lauded Mrs Nneji Nkiru Florence, Director, Human Resource Management, and Chairman of the FEDUGAM Steering Committee.
According to him, their dedication and commitment have ensured adequate preparation for the games.“The games are not only about competition but about building friendship, healthy living, and teamwork across agencies,” he said.
He urged participants to compete with discipline, integrity, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.Okeyinka also called on corporate organisations and stakeholders to support the successful hosting of FEDUGAM Rivers 2026.“As we gather in Rivers, let us celebrate unity, excellence, and the shared vision of a stronger education sector,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng