WAUG 2026: Day Two Delivers Epic Clashes, Medal Triumphs and Scrabble Dominance at OAU

WAUG 2026: Day Two Delivers Epic Clashes, Medal Triumphs and Scrabble Dominance at OAU

Day two of the 2026 West African Universities Games (WAUG) at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, delivered another action packed day of intense competition, dramatic finishes and standout performances across several sporting events.

Despite minor morning setbacks, including brief electrical and lighting issues at the Indoor Sports and Taekwondo halls, athletes quickly settled into the competition and produced impressive displays in football, table tennis, tennis, taekwondo and scrabble.

At the Main Bowl, hosts OAU continued their impressive campaign with a commanding 3 0 victory over the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) of Ghana. After taking an early lead, OAU extended their advantage through Adebimpe Israel, who finished brilliantly from an assist by Ola, wearing number 11. Tony Akpere then completed the scoring with a stunning strike to secure a comfortable win for the hosts.

Lead City University (LCU) also recorded an important victory, edging the University for Development Studies (UDS) Ghana 1 0. Omoloye Samuel provided the decisive moment with a powerful strike that proved to be the difference between both sides.

Table tennis produced one of the day's most thrilling contests as Benson Idahosa University (BIU) captured the Mixed Doubles gold medal after defeating LASU in a dramatic five set final. BIU's Wilson and Hope battled past Qudus and Zainab of LASU 3 2 in a contest that ended 8 11, 11 8, 11 8, 3 11, 11 7.

BIU had reached the final after defeating FUTA 3 1 in the semifinal, while LASU secured their place in the gold medal match with a convincing 3 0 victory over hosts OAU.

Taekwondo also delivered a significant moment for the University of Ibadan. Following technical adjustments overseen by Technical Director Mr Jesse, the Poomsae individual events got underway. UI secured their first medal of the games with a bronze in the Male Individual Poomsae category, while FUTA advanced to the Poomsae finals.

Meanwhile, the Scrabble competition at the Judo Hall witnessed another dominant display from OAU and UI as Round 16 concluded.

In the Female Singles category, OAU athletes occupied the top two positions. Akhabue Priscilla leads the standings with a 12-4 record and a +1626 spread, while teammate Odeniyi Nimotallah also has a 12-4 record with a +1364 spread. BIU's Nwabuzor Joy sits third with 12 wins and four losses and a +1343 spread, while UNIBADAN's Fayosinumi Oderemi is fourth with a 10-6 record and a +441 spread.

The Male Singles standings are being led by OAU's Adekunle Emmanuel Glory, who has produced a remarkable 15-1 record with a massive +1716 spread. University of Ibadan's Enyi Kingsley and Awonusi Peter occupy second and third respectively, with both players recording 11 wins and five losses. Enyi currently holds a +1901 spread, while Awonusi has +1254.

On the lawn tennis courts, ABUAD produced a dominant performance in the men's category, sweeping the opening set 6 0 against UNIOSUN before securing a 2 0 victory. In the women's competition, UNIOSUN responded strongly, overcoming MOAUM after the contest had earlier been locked at 1 1.

With several medals already decided and major contests still unfolding, the battle for supremacy at WAUG 2026 is becoming increasingly intense. As the games continue across OAU's facilities, athletes and institutions will be looking to turn strong performances into medals and ultimately cement their place among the standout teams of this year's competition.