The 2026 West African University Games (WAUG) have come to a memorable end at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, bringing to a close several days of intense competition, friendship, cultural exchange and celebration of university sport across West Africa.

Hosted by OAU from 2 to 12 October 2026, the Games brought together universities from across the region and transformed the Great Ife campus into a vibrant centre of sporting activity. Athletes competed across different disciplines, representing their institutions with determination while building friendships that extended beyond the competition venues.

For the host institution, the Games ended on an especially high note as Obafemi Awolowo University emerged overall champion of WAUG 2026.

According to the final medal standings, OAU finished at the top of the table with an impressive 122 medals, comprising 33 gold, 50 silver and 39 bronze medals. The result capped a strong performance by Great Ife athletes throughout the Games and gave the University another reason to celebrate as host.

The University of Ghana finished second with 26 gold, 21 silver and 12 bronze medals, giving it a total of 59 medals. Benson Idahosa University placed third with 21 gold, 10 silver and seven bronze medals, while the University of Ibadan finished fourth with 17 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze medals.

The final standings also reflected the broad participation and competitive strength of universities from across West Africa. Lagos State University, Afe Babalola University, Delta State University, University of Ilorin, University of Cape Coast, Nile University of Nigeria and several other institutions all recorded medal-winning performances during the Games.

Beyond the medal table, WAUG 2026 was about much more than winning.

The Games brought university communities together around the values of excellence, friendship and fair play, while giving student-athletes an opportunity to compete, interact and represent their institutions on a regional stage.

From the colourful opening ceremony and the parade of participating institutions to the excitement of the competition venues, medal presentations and final contests, WAUG 2026 produced many memorable moments for athletes, officials, volunteers, students and visitors.

The Games featured 50 universities, with more than 1,500 athletes and officials expected across 18 sports, making the 2026 edition one of the major gatherings of university athletes in the region.

For Obafemi Awolowo University, hosting WAUG 2026 also provided an opportunity to showcase the hospitality, culture and sporting spirit of Great Ife. The University welcomed delegations from across West Africa and provided the platform for competition, cultural interaction and regional cooperation through sport.

To every athlete who competed, every institution that participated, every official, volunteer and member of the University community who contributed to the success of the Games, Obafemi Awolowo University says thank you.

Click here to see the final medals table.

WAUG 2026 may have ended, but the memories, friendships and spirit of the Games will live on.

Great Ife. Great Champions. One West Africa.