Approximately 120 universities from Nigeria and 36 others across Africa have begun arriving in Lagos for the 11th edition of the All-Africa University Games. Co-hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU), the games run from September 20 to September 29 and mark Nigeria’s first time hosting this event in two decades.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at the UNILAG Sports Complex, kicking off a week of competition across various sports and promoting cultural exchange among participants.
This year’s event is notable as it is the first time it will be jointly hosted by two universities, showcasing collaboration and shared responsibility in accommodating the influx of athletes and officials.
UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, highlighted the importance of the Games in enhancing Nigeria’s cultural presence in Africa. “We will create an atmosphere of excitement reminiscent of NUGA,” she said, referencing past hosting experiences. “We have a solid template from our previous hosting, which will streamline our efforts.”
Professor Ogunsola expressed confidence in the partnership between UNILAG and LASU, emphasizing that this collaboration not only engages students but also showcases Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. “Co-hosting with LASU lightens our load, and we appreciate the support from the Lagos State Government,” she added.
To drum up excitement, UNILAG organized a lively roadshow on Thursday, featuring students and staff rallying on campus to promote the upcoming competitions.
Joseph Awoyinfa, UNILAG’s Director of Sports, confirmed that the university is fully prepared, with all sports facilities upgraded to meet standards. “We will host about 17 sports, including football, cricket, swimming, basketball, handball, and tennis, while all indoor games will take place at LASU,” he explained.
Awoyinfa also noted that the swimming pool at UNILAG is uniquely equipped with a switch timer that automatically records swimmers’ times, further enhancing the facility’s capabilities.
The return of the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) Games to Nigeria is significant, as the last event was held in 2004 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi. The joint hosting by UNILAG and LASU sets a new precedent, showcasing the capacity of Nigerian universities to organize large-scale continental events.
