Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife has emerged as the winner of the 2024 Osun Intercollegiate Games 2024, Sports247 reports.
The games which involve only where instistutions sited in Is Osun State concluded in a blaze of glory on Wednesday at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Sports Complex with the emerging as the overall winner extending their academic excellence to the sporting field.
Read Also: Prostar Strengthens Nigerian Football With Super Eagles Supporters Club Partnership
The thrilling two-week competition that brought together over 1,000 athletes from thirteen tertiary institutions across Osun State.
With cheers resonating across the stadium and a vibrant display of sportsmanship, Team OAU emerged as the undisputed champions, securing 14 medals, including a staggering 12 golds and two bronzes.
Team OAU’s triumph was built on sheer dominance in strategic and physical sports. Their athletes shone brightest in Chess and Scrabble, but it was in Athletics where they truly stamped their authority.
The iconic sprints, especially the 100m and 200m races, saw OAU’s stars blaze past their competitors. Oyeyemi Adedoyin clinched gold in the 100m female category, while Jegede Mariam and Ogunnaike Adegoke topped the podium in the 200m female and male categories, respectively.
The relay events were no different, with both the men’s and women’s teams from OAU securing gold in the 4x100m relay, showcasing impeccable teamwork and determination.
In second place, Fountain University amassed 13 medals, including six golds and seven bronzes.
Their crowning achievement came in the Tug-of-War final, where their team displayed unyielding strength and coordination to defeat UNILESA in straight sets, 2-0, to raucous applause. Their prowess in Badminton also stood out, as they outmaneuvered opponents with finesse and agility.
UNIOSUN secured third place with a commendable haul of two golds, four silvers, and one bronze. Their crowning moment came in the Female Football Final, where they defeated Federal Polytechnic Ede 2-0. Aminat Abiola was the star of the match, scoring both goals in the 24th and 54th minutes, cementing her place as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
The football events were nothing short of electrifying. In the Male Football Final, Federal Polytechnic Ede emerged victorious, edging out OSCOTECH, Esa-Oke 2-1. Adigun Abiodun was the hero of the day, netting twice in the 12th and 56th minutes, while Alarape Azeez pulled one back for OSCOTECH in the 68th minute.
The third-place matches were equally intense. OAU’s women’s team clinched bronze after a dramatic penalty shootout against COHT Moro, with a final score of 5-4. In the men’s category, OSPOLY Iree edged UNILESA 2-1 in a hard-fought encounter.
The closing ceremony was graced by a distinguished lineup of dignitaries, highlighting the significance of the event. Hon. Abiola Awoyeye, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, and Hon. Eluwole Sunday Adedipo, representing the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, delivered inspiring speeches. The Obalufe of Ife, Chief Idowu Adediwura, representing the Ooni of Ife, lent a touch of royalty to the occasion. Other notable attendees included Mr. Layi Adesiyan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, and Osun FA Chairman, Mayor Sola Fanawopo, former Super Falcons Media Manager, Oluchi Tobex Tobe-Chukwu ans many others.
The Osun Intercollegiate Games 2024 were more than just a competition; they were a celebration of unity, talent, and the indomitable spirit of youth. Over six sports Football, Athletics, Table Tennis, Chess, Scrabble, Badminton, and Tug of War, provided a platform for athletes to showcase their skills, foster camaraderie, and push the boundaries of excellence.
As the torch was extinguished and the medals were awarded, the athletes left with more than just accolades.
They carried memories of triumph, lessons in resilience, and the pride of representing their institutions. The legacy of the Osun Intercollegiate Games 2024 will undoubtedly inspire future generations to aim higher and dream bigger.
