The American University in Cairo, Lagos State University, and the University of Lagos secured the top three positions at the just-concluded 11th Federation of Africa University Sports Games, 2024.
The event, co-hosted by LASU and UNILAG, was tagged ‘Lagos 2024’ and ended on Sunday.
With the theme ‘Unite, Compete, and Excel,’ the competition ran from September 20 to 29, 2024. The American University in Cairo clinched first place with an impressive haul of 46 Gold, 28 Silver, and 8 Bronze medals.
LASU followed closely in second place with 28 Gold, 30 Silver, and 26 Bronze medals, while UNILAG took third place, winning 25 Gold, 23 Silver, and 40 Bronze medals.
The University of Ghana ranked fourth with nine Gold, nine Silver, and 14 Bronze medals. At the same time, the University of Development Studies, Ghana, placed fifth with seven Gold, two Silver, and two Bronze medals. Benson Idahosa University, Benin, Edo State, secured sixth place with six Gold, five Silver, and seven Bronze medals.
Other notable performances included the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, in seventh place with five Gold, four Silver, and four Bronze medals; the University of Zambia in eighth place with five Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze; Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in ninth place with five Gold, one Silver, and zero Bronze; and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, in tenth place with four Gold, seven Silver, and two Bronze medals.
At the closing ceremony, President of the Nigerian Universities Games Association and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr. Bawa Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the host Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello of LASU and Prof. Folasade Ogunsola of UNILAG, for their dedication to making the games a success.
He noted, “The 11th FASU Games is historic, as the event returned to Nigeria after 20 years.”
Acknowledging the challenges of organising the event, Mohammed remarked, “No event is without its hiccups, and even the last Olympics had years of preparation yet faced issues. However, we are proud of the records broken, including the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee in LASU.”
Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor of LASU, praised FASU and NUGA for entrusting LASU and UNILAG with hosting the 11th edition, describing the event as a demonstration of how sports can unify Africa. “We look forward to hosting another edition of the games in the near future,” she added.
Similarly, UNILAG’s VC, Prof. Ogunsola, lauded the camaraderie fostered by the event, stating, “Over the past few days, African universities have not only witnessed sporting excellence but also the unity that sports can bring. The athletes have showcased extraordinary talent, resilience, and teamwork, values essential in both sports and leadership.”
FASU President and Egyptian Minister of Sports, Dr Ashraf Sobhy, represented by FASU Secretary General Peninnah Kabenge, emphasised the games’ success in bringing together African institutions through record-breaking performances and team spirit.
“Let us carry forward the spirit of lasting friendship and unity among African universities,” he urged, announcing that the Vice-Chancellors of LASU and UNILAG were now official patrons of FASU until the next games.
A total of 70 universities participated in the event, featuring 834 athletes—590 males and 244 females—accompanied by 185 officials, all competing in 17 sports.
Credit: Punch
