The emergence of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as the overall winner of this year’s regional sports competition among undergraduates of West African institutions has been described as a good sign that ‘shows a bright future for Nigerian sports.’
This assertion was provided by the director-general of Nigeria’s National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, who further praised the country’s other representatives for also putting in commendable performances.
Sports247 reports that Shaibu gave the verdict while speaking in the wake of Monday’s closing ceremony for the 15th West African University Games (WAUG) at the citadel of learning fondly called ‘Great Ife.’
Shaibu also praised athletes from OAU for what he referred to as their outstanding performances and dominance throughout the competition, asserting that their conquest came through hard work, discipline and investment in sports development.
His accolades came after the hosts topped 22 other universities to clinch the top spot with a total of 122 medals – 33 gold, 50 silver and 39 bronze – while the University of Ghana placed second with 26 gold, 21 silver and 12 bronze medals.
Shaibu declared gleefully, “The performances of Nigerian universities at the games show that the future of Nigerian sports is bright. We at the NIS will continue to support university sports as a veritable platform for discovering talents for the nation.”
