NSMQ 2026: Accra Academy beats Bright SHS, Achimota to Join PRESEC and Augusco in grand finale

The Accra giants produced a statement performance in the third and final semi-final contest at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), defeating Bright SHS and Achimota School to grab the last ticket to the Grand Finale.

And the scoreboard was LOUD:

• Accra Academy — 54 points

• Bright SHS — 44 points

• Achimota School — 43 points

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Just one point separated Bright SHS and Achimota School at the finish.

Accra Academy came into the semi-finals after surviving a dramatic quarter-final against University Practice SHS and Bishop Herman College. The school had trailed early but mounted a comeback before sealing victory in the final round with 23 points.

Bright SHS, meanwhile, arrived with arguably one of the biggest Cinderella stories of this year's competition.

The private school from the Eastern Region had already made history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time in its history. Bright also became the first private school to reach this stage of the competition in 2026.

Achimota School were no strangers to the pressure either. The Motown boys had cruised through their quarter-final, beating Adisadel College and Boa Amponsem SHS with 55 points.

Bright SHS came into the contest with plenty of momentum after their historic quarter-final qualification.

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They had already shown that counting them out was a terrible idea.

In their quarter-final, Bright pulled off a stunning final-round comeback to finish on 27 points, edging Chemu SHTS by just one point and securing their maiden semi-final appearance.

This time, they went even further.

Unfortunately for Bright, that was still not enough to catch Accra Academy.

But finishing second in a semi-final against two established NSMQ names? That's a serious debut season statement.

And then there was Achimota.

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The Motown boys finished on 43 points, only one point behind Bright.

After dominating their quarter-final with 55 points, Achimota's 2026 journey ends at the semi-final stage.

For Accra Academy, however, the dream continues.

Accra Academy's qualification marks another major chapter in the school's NSMQ story.

The school had already ended a long semi-final qualification drought by reaching this stage in 2026. Now, they have gone one better and secured a place in the Grand Finale.

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And just like that, the NSMQ 2026 Grand Finale line-up is complete!

St. Augustine’s College, PRESEC-Legon and Accra Academy have all punched their tickets to the final after winning their respective semi-final contests.

Augusco came through with 52 points, PRESEC-Legon followed with 44 points, while Accra Academy topped their contest with an impressive 54 points.

So, it is officially Augusco vs PRESEC vs Accra Academy for the ultimate prize. 🔥

The three schools will now battle it out in the NSMQ 2026 Grand Finale on September 10, with PRESEC chasing another title, Augusco looking to add a third trophy to their cabinet, and Accra Academy hoping to turn their impressive run into championship glory.