OMON the Gorilla Unveiled as Official Mascot of the 28th NUGA Games
The Nigerian University Games Association NUGA and the University of Calabar UNICAL have officially unveiled OMON the Gorilla as the official mascot of the 28th NUGA Games, scheduled to hold from November 14 to 24, 2026, in Calabar, Cross River State.
The unveiling of OMON marks a significant milestone in preparations for the Games and reflects the unique identity of the host state. Inspired by the critically endangered Cross River Gorilla, OMON embodies the values of strength, resilience, unity, excellence, and determination that define both university sports and the student athletes who will compete at Nigerias premier university sporting event.
Tagged as the Paradise Games, the 28th NUGA Games will celebrate the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and rich biodiversity of Cross River State. Through OMON, NUGA and the University of Calabar seek to showcase one of the states most iconic wildlife species while promoting awareness of environmental conservation and the protection of endangered animals.
The Cross River Gorilla, regarded as the rarest and most endangered great ape species in the world, is found only in a small region spanning parts of Cross River State in Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon. By adopting the gorilla as the symbol of the Games, the organisers hope to draw attention to ongoing conservation efforts while connecting sport with education, sustainability, and social impact.
As preparations continue for the 28th NUGA Games, OMON will serve as the face of the competition across promotional campaigns, community engagement activities, volunteer programmes, educational initiatives, and sporting events leading up to the Games.
The 28th NUGA Games is expected to bring together universities from across Nigeria for eleven days of sporting competition, cultural exchange, friendship, and excellence, reinforcing the role of university sports in youth development and national unity.