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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has emerged overall champion of the 15th West African University Games, finishing the competition with an impressive 122 medals.
The host institution secured 33 gold, 50 silver and 39 bronze medals to top the official medal table, ahead of the University of Ghana, which finished second with 59 medals.
The Games, held from October 2 to 12, 2026, brought universities together in Ile-Ife, Osun State, for sporting competition, cultural exchange and regional interaction. Athletes competed across several disciplines, including football, athletics, basketball, swimming and table tennis.
Nigerian Universities Make Strong Showing
Nigerian institutions dominated the top positions, with Benson Idahosa University finishing third after winning 21 gold, 10 silver and seven bronze medals.
The University of Ibadan placed fourth with 17 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze medals, while Lagos State University secured fifth position with 10 gold medals.
Afe Babalola University followed in sixth place with nine gold, 14 silver and 19 bronze medals. Delta State University, Abraka, also made the top seven, finishing with seven gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
The rankings were determined primarily by the number of gold medals won, followed by silver and bronze medals where necessary.
More Than a Sporting Competition
Beyond the medals, the West African University Games provided a platform for student-athletes to showcase their abilities, build friendships and represent their institutions on a regional stage.
OAU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, described the Games as an investment in the future of young people, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the infrastructure developed for the event continues to benefit the university community.
The competition also reinforced the value of sports in university life, creating opportunities for young athletes to develop discipline, teamwork and competitive experience.
With OAU leading the final standings, the 2026 Games marked a significant achievement for the host institution and another opportunity for universities across West Africa to celebrate sporting excellence.
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