In an exciting development for the sports community, Sumbade JNR, the Sports Director of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), shared his anticipation for the upcoming West African Universities Games, scheduled to commence on December 16, 2023.
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Acknowledging the privilege of hosting this prestigious event, Sumbade JNR highlighted the transformative upgrades earmarked for OAU’s sports facilities.
“Well, it’s a privilege that Obafemi Awolowo University is hosting the West African University Games,” said Sumbade JNR, reflecting on the last edition hosted by the University of Port Harcourt in 2018. “And what I feel is that all our facilities, our sports facilities, will be upgraded. That was one of the benefits.”
“Our athletes will gain exposure,” he remarked, underlining the motivational impact of competing against international and regional athletes. “You might feel like you had the best before, but when you compete against someone else’s agility, performance, and all of that, you even feel motivated as well.”
The upcoming West African Universities Games mark a triumphant return of sporting glory to Ife soil, with OAU last hosting the event in 1975.
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Sumbade JNR highlighted the stark contrast between the historical event and the upcoming 15th edition, expressing optimism about the positive impact on OAU’s sporting culture and reputation.
In a historic feat for Nigerian universities, OAU is set to become the first to host the West African Universities Games more than once.
The 15th edition, scheduled for December, promises to be a showcase of OAU’s commitment to excellence in athletics and a celebration of West African unity through spirited sportsmanship.
Reflecting on past hosts, including the University of Ibadan (1965), University of Lagos (1971), University of Benin (1995), University of Ilorin (2012), and University of Port Harcourt (2018), OAU stands poised to deliver an extraordinary sporting spectacle, affirming its status as a beacon of sporting prowess in the West African region.
