OAU and Ghana University Lead the Medal Table at 2026 West African University Games

Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife has claimed the title of overall champion at the 15th West African University Games. They won a total of 122 medals, as shared on the Games’ social media on Sunday.

The host institution bagged 33 gold, 50 silver, and 39 bronze medals. This put them ahead of the University of Ghana, which came in second with 59 medals. The University of Ghana's haul included 26 gold, 21 silver, and 12 bronze medals.

Benson Idahosa University took the third spot with 21 gold, 10 silver, and seven bronze medals. Meanwhile, the University of Ibadan placed fourth with 17 gold, 12 silver, and 13 bronze medals.

The ranking is determined first by the number of gold medals won, then silver and bronze medals where needed.

Complete Medal Table for WAUG 2026

2026 WAUG Medal Table, 1. Obafemi Awolowo University: 33 gold, 50 silver, 39 bronze, 122 medals, 2. University of Ghana: 26 gold, 21 silver, 12 bronze, 59 medals, 3. Benson Idahosa University: 21 gold, 10 silver, seven bronze, 38 medals, 4. University of Ibadan: 17 gold, 12 silver, 13 bronze, 42 medals, 5. Lagos State University: 10 gold, four silver, three bronze, 17 medals, 6. Afe Babalola University: nine gold, 14 silver, 19 bronze, 42 medals, 7. Delta State University, Abraka: seven gold, two silver, two bronze, 11 medals, 8. University of Ilorin: six gold, four silver, six bronze, 16 medals, 9. University of Cape Coast: six gold, one silver, nine bronze, 16 medals, 10. Nile University of Nigeria: six gold, one silver, two bronze, nine medals, 11. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology: five gold, four silver, three bronze, 12 medals, 12. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology: three gold, five silver, six bronze, 14 medals, 13. Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi: two gold, three silver, five bronze, 10 medals, 14. University for Development Studies: two gold, two silver, two bronze, six medals, 15. University of Abuja: one gold, six silver, six bronze, 13 medals, 16. University of Energy and Natural Resources: one gold, two silver, seven bronze, 10 medals, 17. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti: one gold, one silver, four bronze, six medals, 18. Osun State University: no gold, six silver, 10 bronze, 16 medals, 19. Lead City University: no gold, two silver, one bronze, three medals, 19. University of Ilesa: no gold, one silver, six bronze, seven medals, 20. Plateau State University: no gold, one silver, one bronze, two medals, 21. Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho: no gold, no silver, four bronze, four medals, 22. Federal University of Technology, Akure: no gold, no silver, three bronze, three medals

OAU Calls Games an Investment in Youth

A report on OAU's website from October 5, 2026, mentioned that the opening ceremony gathered 50 universities. More than 1,500 athletes and officials were expected to take part in 18 sports.

During the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, stated, "For OAU, the Games are an investment in the future of our youth."

He added that the university hopes the facilities and systems set up for the Games will continue to help the community after the event.

WAUG President Ibrahim Tanko Shaibu also spoke at the opening ceremony. He encouraged athletes to perform their best while respecting their opponents and officials. "Give your best, respect your opponents and officials," he said, according to OAU’s report from October 5.

In a separate announcement on October 11, OAU shared that the closing ceremony will celebrate the achievements of the athletes and schools. It will also highlight the spirit of fair play, resilience, and friendship during the Games.

The 15th West African University Games took place from October 2 to 12 at OAU in Ile-Ife.