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.

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2-12 OctGames Dates
Ile-IfeHost City
2026Games Edition
Illustrated WAUG 2026 mascot holding a torch in blue and gold sportswear Student-athletes competing at a university sports event
Official Host Institution

Obafemi Awolowo University

Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria - WAUG 2026

Countdown to WAUG 2026

Road to Ile-Ife

Every second brings West African universities closer to the Games.

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Vendor Applications

Call for Food Vendors

Applications are invited from suitably qualified food vendors with the capacity to cater for many people at once during WAUG 2026.

Fee₦25,000
Deadline5th of August 2026
VenueOAU campus
Apply as a Vendor
WAUG 2026 call for food vendors application poster
OAU Logo

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.

Official notices: Event details, venues, and competition information will continue to be confirmed by the Local Organising Committee.

Latest News
WAUG 2026 official mascot in blue and gold sportswear holding a torch
Mascot & Logo Approved

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.

01

Academic Setting

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

02

Regional Welcome

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

03

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.

Athletics

Football

Basketball

Swimming

Volleyball

Boxing

Weightlifting

Judo

Taekwondo

Table Tennis

Badminton

Tennis

Handball

Cycling

Wrestling

Rugby

View Full Schedule
Latest Updates

News & Announcements

All News
PlanningOfficial update

LOC Approves WAUG 2026 Mascot and Logo

The approved identity celebrates Yoruba heritage, regional unity, and the sporting spirit of West African universities.

Read update
WAUG 2026 food vendor application poster
Vendors5th of August 2026

Food Vendor Applications Now Open

Qualified vendors can apply to provide food services during the Games. Applications close at 12 noon on 5th of August 2026.

Apply online
02
CompetitionProvisional

Competition Programme Under Technical Review

Sport, venue, and timetable information will be finalised after entries and technical requirements are reviewed.

View programme
03
RegistrationGuidance

Registration Begins with Your Institution

Athletes and officials must be entered under a verified university delegation. Review the approved registration workflow.

Start registration