{
  "id": 5408226,
  "title": "2026 NSMQ: Accra Academy breaks jinx; qualifies to finals for very first time",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/2026-nsmq-accra-academy-breaks-jinx-qualifies-to-finals-for-very",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-03T20:36:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/2026-nsmq-accra-academy-breaks-jinx-qualifies-to-finals-for-very-first-time/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After decades of frustration, Accra Academy has finally overcome its long-standing semi-final jinx in the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ). The school claimed victory in the semi-final, topping a three-school contest with 54 points, followed closely by Bright SHS with 44 points and Achimota School with 43 points. This historic achievement marks Accra Academy's first appearance in the grand finale of the prestigious competition.\n\nThe breakthrough ends years of disappointment for the school, which had previously been eliminated at the one-eighth and quarter-final stages during previous NSMQ editions. Accra Academy had failed to secure a spot in the final in 2016, 2023, and other years, experiencing a string of early exits, including an elimination by PRESEC-Legon in closely contested finals.\n\nThis year's qualification provides Accra Academy with its maiden opportunity to compete for the coveted NSMQ trophy. Ahead of the grand finale, scheduled for September 10 at the University of Ghana, the school faces a formidable challenge from the most decorated champions PRESEC-Legon and 2-time champions St Augustine's College. Accra Academy, however, is determined to break its own jinx and claim the first title in its history.",
  "summary": "Accra Academy has broken its long-standing semi-final jinx in the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), qualifying for the grand finale for the first time in the school’s history. The historic feat came after a commanding performance in the semi-final, where Accra Academy finished top of a three-school contest with 54 points. Bright SHS followed […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Accra Academy breaks 30-year semi-final jinx to qualify for NSMQ finals",
    "Tops three-school contest with 54 points, winning decisive victory",
    "First NSMQ final appearance in history, facing PRESEC-Legon and St Augustine's"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "NSMQ 2026: Three schools, one trophy – PRESEC, AUGUSCO and Accra Academy set for grand finale",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/nsmq-2026-three-schools-one-trophy-presec-augusco-and-accra-academy",
        "published": "2026-09-03T22:12:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}