Running from 21st to 30th September 2024, FASU features a wide range of sporting events, from basketball and football to judo and swimming, showcasing the athletic talent of universities across Africa.
By Tuka Letura
The Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) Games is a dynamic biennial sporting event that unites universities, where athletes not only compete for medals and prizes but also showcase the rising level of talent and competition on a continental stage, and setting them up for even bigger stages, from the All Africa Games, to the Olympics.
Several universities from across the continent have gathered in Lagos, Nigeria for the 2024 FASU Games. Twenty years after Nigeria last hosted the event in Bauchi in 2004, this prestigious edition is now being co-hosted by Lagos State University (LASU) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG), with events taking place across both campuses and their respective venues.
The 11th edition of the Games kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony at UNILAG on Saturday, 21 September 2024, ushering a week-long event that has drawn participants from over 18 African countries and more than 40 universities.
Running from 21th to 30th September 2024, the Games feature a wide range of sporting events, categorised into indoor and outdoor activities. Key highlights include team sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, and handball, alongside individual competitions in athletics, badminton, chess, judo, table tennis, tennis, karate, taekwondo, swimming, and more.
Already, without much surprise, the Games have faced significant challenges. For instance, the scheduling of events was not finalised until the competition began, and even then, it remained disorganised. Additionally, issues with fund allocation and the management of volunteers’ upkeep, feeding, which has been either delayed or completely unprovided, and mismanagement of resources, a clear case of inefficiencies in the organisation of the Games. This is particularly concerning for a competition of this calibre, especially for a nation like Nigeria hosting the continent.
The Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, expressed confidence in the organising committee members from both institutions to successfully host the event before the Games began. “I have no doubt that with the calibre of individuals appointed to the various sub-committees of the main organising committee, we will achieve nothing short of success by the end of the competition,” she stated. That expectation has however not come to fruition.
Despite these challenges, the Games have witnessed a huge turnout of fans, spectators, and athletes. Basketball and football have drawn the most attention, even as events are spread across both the University of Lagos Sports Complex and the LASU Sports Centre.
In football, there has been a massive turnout of spectators, with universities like the University of Ghana, Nkumba University Uganda, and Kenyatta University, among many others, competing in the male category. Meanwhile, the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, and University De Labé are in the female category.
Medals are already being claimed across various categories as the FASU progresses. Notably, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, celebrated their first gold medal at the ongoing 11th FASU Games, with Ogungbe Peter Oluwadamilare from the Faculty of Education triumphing in the 81kg Judo category.
Athletics has kicked off, officially getting underway on the 26th of September. With that, we can expect more medals to be up for grabs, and even more participation from both fans and athletes. When they eventually kick off, hopes are that they are more organised than previous events.
Tuka Letura is an experienced sports writer with over five years of experience in the craft. He uses data and statistics to provide analysis and commentary. From regional to worldwide competitions, he has covered a wide range of sports-related events and topics. He is devoted to sharing his enthusiasm for sports with his audience and engaging them with interesting anecdotes and viewpoints.