ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE — The wait is over as the 15th West African University Games (WAUG 2026) officially gets underway at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, bringing together universities and student-athletes from across the West African sub-region.
The 10-day sporting fiesta, holding from October 2 to 12, 2026, has transformed the historic Great Ife campus into a hub of sporting competition, friendship, cultural exchange and university pride.
For Obafemi Awolowo University, host of the games, WAUG 2026 goes beyond the pursuit of medals. It provides an opportunity for the institution to showcase its sporting facilities, academic excellence and the rich cultural heritage of Ile-Ife to participating institutions and visitors from across West Africa.
Student-athletes are competing in a wide range of sporting disciplines, including football, basketball, athletics, swimming, volleyball, boxing, tennis, table tennis and wrestling, among others.
The games are expected to provide a platform for emerging university athletes to test their abilities against some of the best talents from across the region, while promoting sportsmanship, camaraderie and cross-cultural interaction.
As the competition intensifies, the ancient city of Ile-Ife is set to witness a vibrant blend of sports, youth energy and cultural celebration.
Welcome to Great Ife.
Welcome to Ile-Ife.
Welcome to WAUG 2026.
Excellence • Friendship • Fair Play
