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 football 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 one of the semi-final matches, while winners of Groups A and B will meet in the second semi-final.
NAN reports that the football final is scheduled for May 23 at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers.
FEDUGAM Rivers 2026 will hold from May 16 to May 23 in Port Harcourt.
The annual sports fiesta is organised for the Federal Ministry of Education and its agencies to promote 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, ayo, 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,” symbolising strength, teamwork, perseverance and fair play.
Chief Matthew Okeyinka, Consultant to FEDUGAM, said the games would further strengthen unity and cooperation among staff of the ministry and its 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 commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for supporting sports development in the sector.
Okeyinka further lauded Mrs Nneji Nkiru Florence, Director of Human Resource Management and Chairman of the FEDUGAM Steering Committee, for ensuring 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)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
