…..Hosts LASU, UNILAG Take 2nd, 3rd Positions
The American University, Cairo, Egypt has emerged the winner of the eleventh Federation of Africa University, FASU Games 2024 co-hosted by Lagos State University, LASU, and the University of Lagos, UNILAG tagged: ‘Lagos 2024.’
The competition themed; ”Unite, Compete, and Excel” held from 20th to 29th September, saw a total of 70 Universities with 834 athletes, 590 males, and 244 females accompanied by 185 officials compete in 17 sports.
The American University in Cairo won the games, with 46 Gold, 28 Silver, and 8 Bronze medals, LASU came second with 28 Gold, 30 Silver, and 26 Bronze while UNILAG came third with 25 Gold, 23 Silver, and 40 Bronze medals.
University of Ghana came fourth with 9 Gold, 9 Silver 14 Bronze; University of Development Studies, Ghana came fifth with 7 Gold, 2 Silver 2 Bronze, Benson Idahosa University, Benin, Edo State won 6 Gold, 5 Silver, and 7 Bronze medal to clinch sixth position.
University of Cape Coast, Ghana, came 7th with 5 Gold, 4 Silver, and 4 Bronze; the University of Zambia came 8th with 5 Gold, 1 Silver, and 2 Bronze; Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife in Osun State came 9th with 5 Gold, 1 Silver and 0 Bronze and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana came 10th with 4 Gold 7 Silver and 2 Bronze.
In his remarks at the closing ceremony which was held at the Sports Complex LASU, Ojo, Lagos, President of the Nigerian Universities Games Association, NUGA, and Chairman Organizing Committee, Dr. Bawa Mohammed appreciated the two host vice-chancellors, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello and Prof. Folashade Ogunsola of LASU and UNILAG and the members of the Organizing committee for their hard work and untiring commitment to the success of the games.
He said: “I want to say that the 11th FASU games are historic in the sense that the games left Nigeria 20 years ago and today, we are witnessing it here again.”
Dr. Mohammed added that there is no event, that won’t come with one or two hiccups, “and you’ll bear with me that the last Olympics had about 7 years of preparations, yet there were crises here and there which simply explains the nature of humans, we can never be fair.”
He also said that any errors that they might have seen were not designed to happen adding that several records were broken and one of the major things was the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in LASU.
On her part, the VC of LASU, Prof. Olatunji-Bello said that ‘Lagos FASU 2024’ demonstrated how sports can serve as a tool to African unity.
She appreciated FASU and NUGA for the confidence reposed in LASU and UNILAG to host the 11th edition of FASU Games.
She added: “I am confident that the experience here and what we have learnt during the competition will assist favourably and positively impact the hosting of future games. For us in LASU, we are already looking forward to hosting another edition of the games in the near future.”
Co-host and UNILAG’s VC, Prof. Ogunsola, in her remarks, stated that over the last few days, African universities have witnessed not just sporting excellence, but the spirit of Camaraderie that unites everyone across different countries.
She added that in line with the theme of the Games, African universities have witnessed extraordinary talent and determination from student-athletes, showcasing the very best of what the continent has to offer.
“Each competition has not only highlighted individual skills but has also fostered teamwork, resilience, and respect, values that are vital both in sports, life and certainly in leadership.
FASU President and Minister of Sports, Federal Republic of Egypt, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy represented by FASU Secretary General, Peninnah Kabenge stated that over the past nine days, African institutions have experienced record-breaking performances, thrilling competitions, and unwavering teamwork among others.
“As we depart, let us carry forward a spirit of lasting friendship among athletes and officials and unity among Universities; thank you for your participation, your enthusiasm, and your sportsmanship,” he added.
Dr. Sobhy announced the official induction of the Vice-Chancellors from UNILAG and LASU as patrons of FASU until the next games.
In the highlight of the glamourous closing ceremony, the Games torch was handed over to the representative of American University of Cairo, Egypt as the host of the 2026 edition of the FASU Games.