The local organising committee of the forthcoming 15th West Africa University Games (WAUG 2026) at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife has revealed the signficance of the logo and mascot of the multi-sports gathering of undergraduate talents.
Sports247 reports that the significances were explained by the LOC’s chairman and deputy vice-chancellor (administration) of the university, Professor E. O. Akinfala, who described the mascot and logo as important symbols of the Games scheduled for October 2nd to 12th.
Professor Akinfala added that the mascot and logo also reflect the host institution’s cultural heritage as well as the unifying spirit of university sports across West Africa, while bringing together undergraduate sports talents from across the region in exciting events.
He also disclosed that this year’s WAUG will feature competitions in 17 sports – athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, chess, e-sport, fpotball, hockey, handball, judo, scrabble, squash, swimming, table Tennis, Taekwondo, tennis and volleyball.
“The newly approved mascot reflects the cultural heritage of Ile Ife, drawing inspiration from Yoruba tradition. It features Olokun head, symbolising wealth, prosperity and the sea; while also incorporating Opele and cowries … representing knowledge, heritage, and identity.
“The design highlights the connection between West African culture and university sports, while reinforcing the values of unity, resilience, and excellence,” Akinfala expatiated with an educative tone.
Sports247 gathered further that WAUG 2026 will featutre student athletes from Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo and Nigeria.
 at Obafemi Awolowo University){kind=link}