Obafemi Awolowo University to Host 15th West Africa University Games in October
The 15th West Africa University Games WAUG will take place at Obafemi Awolowo University OAU, Ile Ife, Nigeria, from 2 to 12 October 2026, bringing together universities from across the West African region for one of the continents leading university sporting events.
In an official invitation issued by the West Africa University Sports Federation WAUSF in collaboration with Obafemi Awolowo University and the Local Organising Committee, universities across West Africa have been invited to participate in the Games and submit their preliminary entries through the registration process provided by WAUSF.
The Games will feature competitions in 17 sports including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Chess, ESport, Football, Hockey, Handball, Judo, Scrabble, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, and Volleyball.
As preparations continue, the Local Organising Committee has officially unveiled the mascot and logo for the 15th WAUG, marking another important milestone ahead of the Games.
The newly approved mascot reflects the cultural heritage of the host city, Ile Ife, drawing inspiration from Yoruba tradition. It features the Olokun head, symbolising wealth, prosperity, and the sea, while incorporating the Opele and cowries, representing knowledge, heritage, and identity. The design highlights the connection between West African culture and university sports while reinforcing the values of unity, resilience, and excellence.
Complementing the mascot is the newly unveiled WAUG logo, designed to provide a distinct identity for the Games as preparations continue toward the opening ceremony.
Speaking on the unveiling, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration OAU, Professor E. O. Akinfala, described the mascot and logo as important symbols of the Games that reflect the cultural heritage of the host institution and the unifying spirit of university sports across West Africa.
The 2026 edition is expected to welcome student athletes representing universities from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote dIvoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo, providing another opportunity to strengthen regional collaboration through sport and student engagement.
The Local Organising Committee also announced the winners of the design competition for the WAUG mascot, logo, and medals, recognising the creative contributions that will form part of the identity of the Games.
Universities intending to participate are encouraged to complete the preliminary entry process through the official registration form provided by WAUSF.
Registration. https://forms.gle/tSk2GruBaNkBDBMD6
For further enquiries, contact, 234 706 446 2009 221 77 650 44 14 234 813 591 1445