OAU Emerges Champion of West African University Games

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has emerged overall champion of the 15th West African University Games (WAUG), finishing top of the medal table after 10 days of sporting competitions.

The host institution won 122 medals, comprising 33 gold, 50 silver and 39 bronze, to finish ahead of participating universities from Nigeria, Ghana and other West African countries.

The University of Ghana finished second with 59 medals, including 26 gold, 21 silver and 12 bronze, while Benson Idahosa University came third with 38 medals, comprising 21 gold, 10 silver and seven bronze.

The University of Ibadan finished fourth with 42 medals, including 17 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze, while Lagos State University placed fifth with 17 medals, comprising 10 gold, four silver and three bronze.

Other Nigerian institutions that featured prominently included Afe Babalola University, which secured 42 medals, and Delta State University, Abraka, which won 11 medals.

The competition brought together student-athletes from universities across West Africa for contests in several sporting disciplines, including football, basketball and swimming.

The 2026 edition began on October 2 and was hosted by OAU in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The Games attracted participating institutions from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Senegal, providing opportunities for sporting competition, cultural exchange and regional interaction.

The university had made preparations for the event through improvements to sporting facilities, transportation arrangements and medical services to support participating athletes and officials.

OAU previously hosted the sixth edition of the West African University Games in 1975 and the Nigerian University Games in 2014.

The conclusion of the 15th edition marks another gathering of universities across the region to promote sportsmanship, student development and cooperation through university athletics.