The 15th West Africa University Games (WAUG 2026) drew to a close in Ile-Ife as university sports leaders, the participating universities and supporters gathered to celebrate the achievements of student-athletes, the memories and the friendships built across national borders during the competition.

At the closing ceremony at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Sports Centre  following the men's football final that ended in favour of the hosts, the host institution's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, described the Games as a sporting competition that stands for the values of youth development, cultural exchange and regional solidarity.

The FASU Secretary-General, Penninah Kabenge was also in attendance bringing greetings from the Federation. She expressed her pleasure to be present at the Games and participate in the Closing Ceremony. She joined other dignitaries in presenting medals and trophies to the overall winners which included the men's football champions after the final which was a climax to the competition. Held from 2 to 12 October, WAUG 2026 brought together 23 universities from across West Africa with more than 1,500 athletes and officials participating across 18 sports. 

Prof Bamire thanked the participating universities, sports administrators, technical officials, the west africa sports federation and members of the local organising committee for their contributions to the event's organisation and execution. He also singled out the volunteers, staff and students whose work behind the scenes were visible in the areas of accommodation, transportation, security, medical services and hospitality.

"Their hard work, much of it behind the scenes has made this event a success" he said while also commending the university community for its role in hosting the regional competition.

The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes on their performances, urging those who missed out on medals not to be discouraged. He emphasised that the value of competition extended beyond winning, pointing to the virtues of discipline, perseverance and character developed through sports.

The West Africa University Sports Federation President, Ibrahim Tanko Shaibu echoed that same message and urged the participating athletes to carry the lessons of the Games back to their respective institutions. "Remember that the lessons you have learned here are just as important as the medals you have won" he said, encouraging participants to preserve the friendships, resilience and sportsmanship developed in Ile-Ife.

Mr Shaibu added that the legacy of WAUG 2026 would endure through the talents discovered, relationships established and stronger ties among participating universities.

The closing ceremony also recognised the outstanding institutions with OAU claiming overall victory with 122 medals comprising 33 gold, 50 silver and 39 bronze.

The trophy presentation for the first place university featured the WAUG President, Ibrahim Tanko and executive members, OAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Bamire and Professor Elliot Haruna Al-Hassan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University for Development Studies in Ghana.

The University of Ghana finished as first runners-up with 59 medals which included 26 gold, 21 silver and 12 bronze. OAU's Deputy Vice-Chancellor presented the second place trophy to the university's delegation.

Benson Idahosa University who finished in third place with 38 medals consisting of 21 gold, 10 silver and seven bronze received their trophy from the tournament representative for Wema Bank, a partner of the Games.

For the hosts, the successful conclusion marked the end of a major event that involved athletes, officials, volunteers and the university community across West Africa. As various delegations departed Ile-Ife, the message from the closing ceremony was clear; the value of university sport lies in the medals won, the experience gained and the connections that endure  long after the games are over.

By Victor Oluwaseun Olabisi