NSMQ 2026 Heats Up: Achimota, Accra Academy, University Practice Advance in Thrilling Quarter-Finals!

The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) One-Eighth stage has been a theater of intense competition, dramatic comebacks, and nail-biting finishes, with several schools booking their places in the highly anticipated quarter-finals while others faced heartbreak. The contests showcased the academic prowess and resilience of Ghana's brightest students, setting the stage for an even more thrilling next round.

In one of the tightly fought contests, Accra Academy emerged victorious over Holy Child and Senya SHS, retaining their seeded status and securing a quarter-final spot. Senya SHS initially led, but a critical error in the Problem of the Day where contestants wiped clean their answers just before time was called, resulted in zero points for the round, allowing Holy Child and Accra Academy to gain ground. Despite Senya SHS recovering in Round Four to pull level with Accra Academy on 36 points, the 'Bleoo Boys' clinched the win in the final round, finishing on 43 points to Holy Child's 40 and Senya SHS's 36. This marks another quarter-final appearance for Accra Academy, who continue their quest for a maiden NSMQ trophy. Holy Child's return after a two-year hiatus ended at this stage, while Senya SHS, in only their second national appearance, departed with the Jupay Clean Sheet Prize.

Another high-octane contest saw Bishop Herman College dramatically snatch the final quarter-final spot, leaving Opoku Ware School and Asanteman SHS to rue their fortunes. Opoku Ware School initially led but lost momentum, while Asanteman SHS took control in Round Two. The Problem of the Day saw both Asanteman SHS and Bishop Herman College earn a perfect 10, securing the coveted NSMQ star. The drama culminated in the final round where both Asanteman SHS and Bishop Herman College finished level on 43 points, necessitating a tie-break. Bishop Herman College held their nerve to answer correctly, advancing to the quarter-finals and ending Asanteman’s impressive run. Opoku Ware finished with 31 points.

University Practice SHS pulled off a remarkable late comeback to retain their seed, overturning a five-point deficit against Presby SHS, Adeiso and Adiembra SHS in the final round. Presby SHS, Adeiso, dominated for much of the contest, maintaining a strong lead with a perfect 10 in the Problem of the Day. They held a five-point advantage going into the final round, leading University Practice 43 to 38. However, University Practice found their rhythm in the riddles, picking two out of four to surge to 44 points and leapfrog Presby Adeiso, who finished agonisingly close on 43 points. Adiembra SHS, with 36 points, played a crucial role by claiming one riddle, denying Presby Adeiso the opportunity to regain the lead.

Meanwhile, two-time champions Achimota School showcased their dominance in an all-Accra battle against Accra Girls’ and Accra High School. From the onset, Achimota School demonstrated their intent, quickly establishing and extending a commanding lead. They maintained consistency throughout the rounds, leaving their city rivals struggling to keep pace. The contest concluded with Achimota School comfortably securing 56 points, far ahead of Accra Girls’ with 40 points and Accra High School with 28 points. This resounding victory ensured Achimota School preserved their seeded status and advanced confidently to the quarter-finals.

The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and receives significant support from sponsors including the Ghana Education Service, Goil Plc, Prudential Life Insurance, Pepsodent, Trustur AI, Cowbell, Jupay Money Transfer, Lumevax, GTP, SpinCITI Laundromat, Didi Jollof, Bel Beverages, Accra College of Medicine, Coronation Insurance, and Academic City University. The broadcast on JoyNews is sponsored by VitaMilk, Entrance University of Health Sciences, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, and NASCO, with additional broadcast partners such as Frutelli, Excellence Publications and Stationery, Didi Shito, Nataraj, Virtual Security Africa, Lef Signature Limited, Sintex Tank, Door Master, New Crystal Hospital, Palm University College, Ayuda, Prospectus Ghana Limited, Family Health University, and Myst Water, ensuring widespread coverage of this national academic spectacle.