A few weeks of training together paid off in a commanding performance as the University of Ilorin's Akoh Ayomide and Abdulkadir Khairat defeated hosts Obafemi Awolowo University 21-10, 21-3 to win the women's doubles badminton gold at the 2026 West African University Games.

The final scoreline at first glance tells the story of their dominance. However, the preparation behind was far from being straightforward.

Ayomide who is a 400-level Human Kinetics Education student revealed that illness had disrupted her preparation before the competition. Yet, despite the setback, she found a way to make her partnership with her partner result in a first place podium finish. "I actually feel accomplished. Winning a gold medal makes me feel fulfilled, It is a great achievement considering that I could not train as much as I wanted before coming here because I was sick" she said.

The victory carried much significance that extended beyond just a podium finish at the Games. She described it as a major achievement for the University of Ilorin, explaining that this was a great improvement and success for the institution in Badminton.

Her own experience in the sport of Badminton also extends beyond the confines of university competitions. Ayomide plays professionally for Kwara State Badminton team and that brought a competitive experience to a partnership that was still finding its footing when the competition began.

In sharp contrast, her partner, Khairat, a 200-level Anatomy student, approached the final from a different stage of her university journey. The younger player spoke of her ambition to develop further and compete beyond Nigeria, "I want to train much better and I hope I can achieve a lot, not just in Nigeria but internationally" she said.

Coming into the Games, Ayomide said the pair had planned to play aggressively in the contest. Once on court, they adjusted their approach, targeting their opponents' deficiencies which they believed could win points for them. The ability to adapt proved important in a final that ended in two relatively one-sided sets. In Khairat's opinion, the technical foundations of their outstanding performance included serving well and being prepared to capitalise on the return. 

In doubles badminton, individual ability must give way to coordination, anticipation and an understanding of a partner's movements. Thus, the pair's immediate challenge had been learning how to play together. Ayomide credited their ability to overcome that challenge to the sibling-like relationship they built. "She is like a younger sister to me. She listens, she corrects me, I correct her and we adjusted to each other's playing patterns".

Her younger teammate, Khairat mentioned that recognising each other's strengths and building an understanding of how to complement each other was the key to making their partnership work. Their preparation was therefore less about having years of shared experience and more about making the time available count.

Winning gold on this stage offers the University of Ilorin bragging rights to celebrate and its two players a platform on which to build. Away from home turf, the ladies have produced a convincing performance that has placed them on the national sports map and left no room for doubt about their sporting quality.