Abia State recorded a big success at the National Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Competition held in Bauchi from February 1 to 10, 2026.
The event was organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission in partnership with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs). Although 36 states were expected to take part, only 21 states participated.
The competition came after the first State BESS Finals held in December 2025 at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Team Abia performed very well in track and field events with Chinenyenwa Emmanuel Favour of Union School 11 winning seven gold medals. She came first in the girls’ Shot Put, Javelin, Long Jump, 100m race, Discus, 200m race, and High Jump. She was the most successful athlete at the competition.
Another athlete, Divine Onyekachi of World Bank Model Primary School 1, also did well in the boys’ events. He won gold in the 100m race and bronze in the 200m race.
At the end of the competition, Abia State won eight gold medals and one bronze medal.
The state also received two major national trophies which includes Best Athlete of the Competition and Best Performing State in Its First Outing
Abia State also took part in football. The team was in Group A with Bauchi and Delta States. They played well but did not move past the quarterfinal stage.
The success of the team was made possible by the support of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, led by Executive Chairman Lady Lydia Ezihe Onuoha, Board Member II Deaconess Chioma Nwogwugwu, Director of School Services Rev. Uchechi Sampson Mbah, and BESS Desk Officer Mrs Grace Nwokeukwu.
The National BESS Games continue to help discover young talents and promote sports in schools across Nigeria. Abia State’s strong performance in Bauchi 2026 shows its commitment to both education and sports development.
