Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has been selected to host the 2026 West Africa University Games, with 16 countries confirming participation.
The biennial tournament is expected to attract over 2,000 student-athletes from across the sub-region to the campus, known for its sporting facilities and architectural design.
This will be the first time in over a decade that the university will host a major sub-regional multi-sport event. The games are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026 and will be held at the institution’s upgraded sports facilities, including the refurbished sports complex and Awolowo Stadium.
An inspection report by the West Africa University Games Inspection Committee has been submitted to the Local Organising Committee, confirming the university’s readiness to host the event.
The report assessed the institution’s logistical, health and infrastructural capacity and found it met the required standards for the competition.
It also highlighted the advantage of OAU’s self-contained campus, which can accommodate participants within a secure and walkable environment.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) who is the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Oluropo Akinfala, said the university was prepared to deliver a successful tournament but called for corporate support.
He said, “Hosting 16 African nations is not merely a sporting event; it is a diplomatic and economic opportunity for the sub-region. While the inspection report has provided a clear roadmap, achieving a world-class event will require support beyond institutional funding.
“We are inviting sponsors, advertisers and partners to collaborate with us.”
The organisers have announced various sponsorship categories, including title sponsor, gold and silver partners, as well as official suppliers, alongside advertising opportunities across digital, print and broadcast platforms.
Participating countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo, alongside two invited countries yet to be announced.
Events to be featured at the games include football, basketball athletics (track and field), boxing, judo, volleyball, badminton, chess, scrabble, e-sports, swimming, table tennis, tennis, hockey and taekwondo.
Over 3,500 athletes, coaches and officials are expected to take part in the competition.
Akinfala added that early sponsors would benefit from pre-event visibility during the university’s inter-university sports activities.