By Amaechi Agbo
Preparations for the eighth edition of the Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays have gathered momentum, with organisers opening entries for interested secondary schools ahead of the November 14, 2026, event.
The annual inter-school athletics competition, which is traditionally staged by invitation, continues to provide a platform for secondary school athletes from across Nigeria to showcase their talents and compete in a healthy sporting environment.
While schools are primarily selected by invitation, organisers have confirmed that interested institutions demonstrating a strong desire to participate can also be considered for entry.
Novena University Staff School, Kwale, and Yewa College, Ilaro, are among schools that have previously benefited from the participation window and subsequently produced impressive performances at the competition.
Yewa College sprinter Sunday Akintan remains one of the standout performers in the history of the GCU Relays, having dominated the second edition and established a 100m record that has remained unbroken over the subsequent years.
Government Secondary School Kaduna has already indicated early interest in participating in the 2026 edition.
Beyond the call for entries, organisers have intensified preparations with the reconstitution of various sub-committees, confirmation of the competition date and upgrades to facilities at Government College Ughelli.
The school’s tartan track and accommodation facilities are among those undergoing renovation and refurbishment ahead of the competition.
Sapele and School Houses have traditionally accommodated the boys’ and girls’ athletes respectively, while the newly rebuilt Forcados House is expected to provide additional accommodation for athletes and officials for the first time.
The facility, currently nearing completion, has been rebuilt in honour of Arco Group Chairman, Dr Alfred Okoigun.
Adding further pedigree to this year’s event, Navy Commodore (Rtd) Omatseye Nesiama will deliver the eighth edition of the GCU Relays.
Nesiama is expected to officiate as an International Starter in the athletics event at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, scheduled for November 6-10, just days before the GCU Relays.
The GCU Relays is anchored on the objective of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association to revive and strengthen healthy sporting rivalry among secondary schools across Nigeria while creating opportunities for young athletes to develop their talents.
With preparations already underway, organisers have also launched a sponsorship drive, calling on individuals, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to support the successful staging of the eighth edition.
The organisers believe such support will help sustain the competition and further enhance its role as a platform for identifying and nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of athletics talents.
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