PRESEC Legon and Mfantsiman Girls' SHS Secure Dramatic Victories to Reach 2026 NSMQ Quarter-Finals

PRESEC, Legon, the eight-time champions, have sent a clear message in the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) by cruising into the quarter-finals with a dominant 67-point performance. Overcoming St. Louis SHS (47 points) and Islamic SHS, Kumasi (19 points), the "Odadees" maintained a lead throughout all rounds. This victory sets up a highly anticipated quarter-final clash against the defending champions, Mfantsipim School, who are currently chasing a historic third consecutive title. The showdown between these two giants represents a critical juncture in the tournament as PRESEC pursues an unprecedented ninth trophy. The tournament also witnessed a remarkable resurgence for Mfantsiman Girls’ Senior High School, which secured a quarter-final berth for the first time in a decade. Trailing St. James Seminary SHS by eight points heading into the final round, the Saltpond-based school staged a stunning comeback by answering all four riddles correctly. Their final score of 33 points narrowly edged out St. James' 29, reviving memories of their 2013 grand finale appearance and ending a quarter-final drought that dated back to 2016. Their performance underscores the unpredictable nature of the final round, where quick thinking can overturn even significant deficits. In another significant development, Presby SHS, Bompata, pulled off a major upset at the SMS Auditorium by dethroning the seeded Our Lady of Grace Senior High School (OLAG). Although OLAG—the only private school to reach the previous year's semi-finals—started the contest strongly, they were unable to hold off a determined charge from Presby SHS. With a final score of 34 to OLAG’s 28, the Bompata-based school has successfully inherited seeded status for the next edition and booked their place among the elite in the quarter-finals. This loss marks a disappointing exit for OLAG, who had become a formidable force in recent years. Produced by Primetime Limited, the 2026 NSMQ continues to be a focal point of academic excellence and national pride, supported by the Ghana Education Service and major sponsors like Goil Plc and JoyNews. As the competition progresses into the quarter-finals, the intensity is expected to rise with several top-tier schools now set on a collision course. The upcoming matches promise to test the limits of Ghana's brightest young minds as they vie for the ultimate prize in science and mathematics.