2026 NSMQ: Bishop Herman College and Saviour SHS Secure Quarter-Final Berths Amid High-Stakes One-Eighth Stage Drama

The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) one-eighth stage has reached a thrilling conclusion, marked by high-stakes tie-breakers, historic upsets, and the consolidation of power by traditional giants. In a dramatic final contest for the remaining quarter-final spot, Bishop Herman College emerged victorious against Asanteman SHS and Opoku Ware School. Despite a strong initial lead by Opoku Ware, the competition narrowed into a head-to-head battle between Bishop Herman and Asanteman, both of whom finished the regular rounds tied at 43 points. Bishop Herman College ultimately secured their advancement by correctly answering a tie-break question, leaving Asanteman SHS and Opoku Ware School with a heartbreaking exit from the tournament.

Adding to the tournament's drama, University Practice SHS staged a remarkable late-round comeback to retain their seeded status. Trailing by five points entering the final round against Presby SHS, Adeiso and Adiembra SHS, University Practice surged ahead by solving two crucial riddles. They finished with 44 points, narrowly edging out Presby SHS, Adeiso, who ended with 43 points. The intensity of the final round was heightened by Adiembra SHS, whose successful claim of a riddle effectively blocked Presby SHS from reclaiming the lead, demonstrating the strategic depth and volatility inherent in the competition's final stages.

In a historic milestone for the competition, Saviour SHS achieved its first-ever quarter-final appearance by defeating the seeded Swedru Secondary School (SWESCO) and Kpando SHS. Entering the match at the CNC Auditorium as runners-up from the preliminaries, Saviour SHS led from the opening round and successfully repelled a late surge from Kpando SHS to finish with 45 points to Kpando’s 42. This victory not only secures a historic spot for Saviour SHS but also results in the loss of seeded status for SWESCO, signaling a shift in the competitive landscape for the 2026 edition.

Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses Achimota School and Adisadel College reaffirmed their dominance. Achimota School delivered a commanding performance in an all-Accra clash, widening their lead in every round to finish with 56 points, comfortably ahead of Accra Girls’ (40) and Accra High School (28). Similarly, Adisadel College survived a fierce three-way contest against Kumasi Academy and Wesley Grammar School. Leading from the start, Adisadel finished with 42 points, while Kumasi Academy and Wesley Grammar trailed with 36 and 31 points, respectively, ensuring Adisadel’s place among the elite in the next stage.

As the competition moves into the quarter-finals, these results have set the stage for a highly competitive final phase. The loss of seeds by established schools like SWESCO and the emergence of new contenders like Saviour SHS underscore the unpredictable nature of this year's quiz. Produced by Primetime Limited and supported by the Ghana Education Service, Goil Plc, and JoyNews, the NSMQ continues to serve as a premier platform for academic excellence and school pride in Ghana.