{
  "id": 6646985,
  "title": "2026 NSMQ: Accra Academy’s first final, a 7-point heartbreak yet a glimpse of glory",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/2026-nsmq-accra-academys-first-final-a-7-point-heartbreak-yet-a",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T21:05:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/2026-nsmq-accra-academys-first-final-a-7-point-heartbreak-yet-a-glimpse-of-glory/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the electrifying 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) finale, Accra Academy embarked on an unforgettable journey, etching their names into history as the first-ever debutants to reach the grand stage. The school, known as the 'Kaneshie Harvard,' arrived at the competition with a dream that had never materialized - clinching their first-ever trophy. However, their ultimate objective will have to wait, as they narrowly missed the coveted prize by a margin of seven points. Accra Academy's journey to the finale was nothing short of extraordinary, as they emerged as the second-best school in the country out of the 174 that participated in the 2026 competition. Though their quest ended with a heartbreaking 7-point deficit to the eventual winners, PRESEC-Legon, the boys from Accra Academy have left an indelible mark on the NSMQ landscape. Their debut season was a testament to their mettle, as they not only survived the pressure of the biggest stage but also defeated two-time champions St Augustine’s College. The 2026 NSMQ finale was a thrilling battle, with Accra Academy starting strong by taking the lead in the opening round. The early advantage ignited a wave of excitement among supporters, who believed their school's first trophy was within reach. Despite Accra Academy's valiant efforts, they were unable to maintain their momentum as they fell to third place towards the end of the competition. The tension was palpable as PRESEC and St Augustine’s College honed their skills, leaving Accra Academy to fight for survival. In the final rounds, the stakes were higher than ever, and a single correct answer could tip the scales in favor of either school. Accra Academy's supporters were left wondering if the boys could produce the big moment needed to rewrite the contest. The decisive heartbreak came when PRESEC aced the final riddle, effectively sealing the contest and sending chills through the Accra Academy camp. Despite the devastating setback, Accra Academy's journey was far from over. The experience had instilled a renewed sense of belief in the boys, proving that they could compete with the giants and withstand the pressure of the biggest stage. With this newfound confidence, Accra Academy has opened the door for another shot at glory in the future. The hunger to win still burns bright, and perhaps next time, the Bleoo boys will not merely chase the trophy but hold it high.",
  "summary": "“Esse quam videri” was the message the ‘Kaneshie Harvard’ boys trumpeted to their opponents before the start of the 2026 NSMQ finale. No confusion, it simply means “to be, rather than to seem.” Accra Academy came into the final carrying a dream the school had never come this close to achieving: winning its first-ever trophy, […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "2026 NSMQ finale: Bawumia sends goodwill message to PRESEC, Augusco and Accra Academy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/2026-nsmq-finale-bawumia-sends-goodwill-message-to-presec-augusco-and",
        "published": "2026-09-10T13:40:15.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Bawumia wishes PRESEC, Augusco and Accra Academy well ahead of NSMQ final",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/bawumia-wishes-presec-augusco-and-accra-academy-well-ahead-of-nsmq",
        "published": "2026-09-10T14:45:05.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Politico EU",
        "title": "Inside Nigel Farage’s battle to get Reform election-ready",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/inside-nigel-farages-battle-to-get-reform-election-ready",
        "published": "2026-09-11T02:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "GBC Ghana",
        "title": "PRESEC Legon clinches historic ninth NSMQ title in thrilling finale",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/presec-legon-clinches-historic-ninth-nsmq-title-in-thrilling-finale",
        "published": "2026-09-11T09:13:56.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}