Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has been declared the overall champion of the 15th West African University Games, securing a total of 122 medals. The university won 33 gold, 50 silver, and 39 bronze medals, surpassing other participating institutions. The Games, hosted by OAU in Ile-Ife, Osun State, brought together 50 universities with over 1,500 athletes and officials competing across 18 sports.
The University of Ghana secured the second position with 59 medals, comprising 26 gold, 21 silver, and 12 bronze medals. Benson Idahosa University ranked third with 21 gold, 10 silver, and seven bronze medals, totaling 38 medals. The University of Ibadan placed fourth with 17 gold, 12 silver, and 13 bronze medals, amounting to 42 medals. The rankings were determined by the number of gold medals won, followed by silver and bronze medals where necessary.
The 15th West African University Games, which took place from October 2 to 12, featured a total of 22 universities. Other notable rankings include Lagos State University in fifth place with 10 gold, four silver, and three bronze medals, and Afe Babalola University in sixth place with nine gold, 14 silver, and 19 bronze medals. Delta State University, Abraka, secured seventh place with seven gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.
The Games' opening ceremony, held on October 2, was attended by over 1,500 athletes and officials. Obafemi Awolowo University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, described the Games as an investment in the future of the youth. He emphasized the university's desire to utilize the developed infrastructure and systems for the competition to benefit its community after the Games.
WAUG President Ibrahim Tanko Shaibu urged athletes to give their best while respecting their opponents and officials during the Games. The closing ceremony, scheduled for October 12, aimed to celebrate the achievements of participating athletes and institutions, as well as the spirit of fair play, resilience, and friendship displayed during the Games.
The full medal table for the 15th West African University Games is as follows: Obafemi Awolowo University (122 medals), University of Ghana (59 medals), Benson Idahosa University (38 medals), University of Ibadan (42 medals), Lagos State University (17 medals), Afe Babalola University (42 medals), and Delta State University, Abraka (11 medals). The remaining universities secured medals in various categories, contributing to the overall tally.
The 2026 West African University Games demonstrated the spirit of competition and camaraderie among participating universities. With Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Ghana emerging as the top two, the Games showcased the athletic prowess of students from across West Africa. The event provided a platform for athletes to compete and foster relationships with their peers from other institutions.
Key points
- Obafemi Awolowo University topped the 2026 West African University Games medal table with 122 medals.
- The University of Ghana secured second place with 59 medals.
- The Games featured 50 universities and over 1,500 athletes competing across 18 sports.
