Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on Saturday formally opened the 2026 West African University Games (WAUG), bringing together 50 universities for 10 days of sporting competition, cultural exchange and regional interaction.

The opening ceremony at the Main Bowl of the OAU Sports Centre brought together university leaders, sports administrators, athletes and delegations from across the west africa region. The Games which will run from October 2 to 12 have attracted universities from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Senegal with more than 1500 athletes and officials expected to participate across 18 sports.

The ceremony opened with the Nigerian National Anthem and OAU Anthem, followed by the parade of participating institutions amid music from the accompanying orchestra and cheers from the stands.

OAU also used the occasion to showcase the cultural heritage of Ile-Ife, with heads of delegations and guests appearing in Yoruba traditional attire before a cultural display brought elements of the ancient city’s heritage into the ceremony.

The official WAUG mascot, Ori-Olokun further reflected the connection between the Games and their host city, drawing on Yoruba heritage through the Olokun head, Opele and cowries.

Representing the West African university sports leadership were WAUG President, Mr Ibrahim Tanko Shaibu; Vice-President I, Dr Segun A. Olawunmi; and Treasurer, Mrs Balogun Yetunde. The host university was represented by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Adejare Bello.

The Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) leadership was also present, led by Professor Musa Garba Yakassai who represented the association’s President, Professor Bawa Mohammed.

Speaking at the ceremony, the WAUG President welcomed the participating universities and acknowledged the journeys many delegations had undertaken to reach Ile-Ife.

With the theme, “Uniting Universities, Inspiring Excellence” as the core message of his address, the WAUG President urged athletes to compete with ambition while respecting their opponents and officials. “Give your best, respect your opponents and officials” He told the athletes while acknowledging that every competitor had come hoping to win.

Mr Ibrahim Shaibu also encouraged participants to use their time in Ile-Ife to exchange ideas, experiences and thanked OAU for welcoming the West African university sports community back to the city.

The return to OAU carries its own history. The university which has also hosted the Nigerian University Games previously hosted WAUG in 1975 and 2023.

Speaking on behalf of the host university, Professor Bamire, the Vice Chancellor described the Games as an investment that should extend beyond the competition itself. “For OAU, the Games are an investment in the future of our youth” he said, stressing the university’s desire for the infrastructure and systems developed for WAUG to continue benefiting its community after the Games.

Prof Bamire also thanked the volunteers and organisations involved in the event, including NUGA, WAUG, the National Sports Commission and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

His message to the athletes was direct: “Compete with courage, discipline and determination.” He also encouraged participants to experience Ile-Ife’s cultural heritage and hospitality during their stay.

The Pro-Chancellor, Rt. Hon. Adejare Bello, also addressed the gathering and thereafter the formalities continued with the lighting of the Games flame.

The WAUG torch was carried into the arena by Adeleke Michelle who presented it to Rt. Hon. Bello and accompanied the torchbearer as the Games flame was lit, signalling the formal opening of the competition.

An oath-taking ceremony for officials and athletes followed, with commitments to fairness and proper conduct forming part of the proceedings.

With the opening ceremony concluded, attention now shifts to competition. Over the next 10 days, Ile-Ife will host universities from across West Africa as they compete in 18 sporting disciplines, including football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, hockey, squash amongst others.