By: Lawal Oluwadamilare
The FASU All-Africa University Games have a storied history, dating back to the inaugural event in Accra, Ghana, during the 1974-75 new year period. Safari capital of the world, Nairobi, Kenya, played host to the second edition in 1978-79. The momentum was temporarily halted when the 1982 edition, slated for Lusaka, Zambia, was canceled. The games remained dormant until 2004, when Nigeria revived the tradition, which was held at Bauchi albeit with a limited scope of men’s events.
Fast-tracked to the year 2020, the tenth installment of the games was eagerly anticipated but ultimately postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The games resumed in 2022 and it was hosted in Kenya in the city of Nairobi from June 6 – June 10 2022 at Kenyatta University.
This year’s edition being the 11th edition resumes within the perimeter of Nigeria, with University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU) set to host this year’s edition.
In a bold strategic move, committees were merged at the pre-FASU Games Seminar, held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo. This union harnesses the combined expertise and resources of both institutions, setting the stage for a triumphant FASU Games.
The competition expects an average of 13 institutions, as it has always been for previous editions. With athletes competitors in team sports like basketball, football, volleyball and handball, as well as in individual sports such as athletics, badminton, chess, judo, table tennis, tennis, karate, taekwondo and swimming.
University Ibadan At FASU :
The University of Ibadan is set to make a strong showing at this year’s All African Games, joining an elite group of hundred other institutions competing for the ultimate win. With a team of thirteen (13) talented athletes, the University will participate in four key sports: chess, taekwondo, scrabble, and athletics.
Despite not participating in all events, the institution remains optimistic about its chances, eyeing several medals in the selected sports. This confidence is bolstered by the impressive credentials of its athletes. Notably, Emmanuel Enyi, who is the chess captain, has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, earning multiple medals and excelling at the last NUGA Games.
Another veteran athlete to watch is Lawrence Sunday, the taekwondo captain, whose impressive track record speaks to his dedication and expertise. Additionally, Kelani Funmilola, a talented scrabble player, is expected to make a significant impact.
