2-12 October 2026 | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

West African University Games 2026

University sport. Regional pride. One West Africa. WAUG 2026 will bring student-athletes, officials, and institutions to Ile-Ife for ten days of competition, culture, friendship, and fair play.

2-12 OctGames Dates

Ile-IfeHost City

2026Games Edition

Illustrated WAUG 2026 mascot holding a torch in blue and gold sportswear

WAUG 2026 official mascot unveiling poster for Ori-Olokun

Student-athletes competing at a university sports event

WAUG 2026 opening ceremony athletes waving flags during the parade

WAUG 2026 opening ceremony athletes marching on the track

WAUG 2026 opening ceremony University of Ilesa delegation group photo

WAUG 2026 opening ceremony Team UENR group photo

WAUG 2026 opening ceremony Team UENR and Ghana flag group photo

Official Host Institution

Obafemi Awolowo University

Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria - WAUG 2026

Official Announcement

15th West Africa University Games

WAUG 2026 is coming to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, from 2 to 12 October 2026, bringing universities across West Africa together under one regional sporting spirit.

Follow Official Updates

15th West Africa University Games WAUG 2026 announcement poster with dates, host venue, and participating countries

Obafemi Awolowo University

Host Institution, Ile-Ife

Great Ife

About WAUG 2026

Where West Africa Meets Through University Sport

WAUG 2026 brings university communities together through disciplined competition and a shared commitment to the development of student-athletes across West Africa.

Hosted by Obafemi Awolowo University from 2 to 12 October 2026, the Games place sporting excellence alongside education, culture, respect, and regional cooperation.

The newly approved mascot and logo present the Games as both a modern sporting event and a proud expression of Yoruba heritage in Ile-Ife.

A Cultural Emblem for a Regional Games

The Local Organising Committee has officially approved the WAUG 2026 mascot and logo, marking a major step in preparations for the Games at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

The mascot draws from West African culture and the Yoruba heritage of Ile-Ife. It features the Olokun head, a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and the sea in Yoruba mythology, with the Opele divination chain and cowries adding meanings of wisdom, prestige, and shared identity.

"These symbols are not just emblems; they are the embodiment of our rich cultural heritage and the unifying spirit of WAUG."

Prof. E.O. Akinfala, Chairman of the LOC and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), OAU

Read the official update

The Host

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

Set within one of Nigeria's most distinguished university communities, WAUG 2026 will carry the formal character of a major academic occasion while delivering the energy of regional sport and the cultural depth of Ile-Ife.

Academic Setting

A university environment shaped by scholarship, leadership, culture, and public service.

Regional Welcome

An invitation to universities across West Africa to gather in friendship, shared heritage, and disciplined competition.

Sporting Excellence

A platform for student-athletes to compete with honour and represent their institutions with pride.

Sports Disciplines

A Broad Programme of Competition

Athletes are expected to compete across a broad programme that may include athletics, football, basketball, swimming, and other individual and team events.