Lagos State University and the University of Lagos are set to host THE 11th edition of the Federation of Africa University Sports Games, which starts Friday, September 20 at the institutions.
A member of the committee and an official of one of the universities, who spoke PUNCH Sports Extra on the condition of anonymity, claiming not to be authorized to talk to the press, said the two universities were ready for the Games with all facilities in shape ahead of Friday’s kick-off.
“For the African Universities Games, Lagos State University is ready, and so is the University of Lagos,” he said.
“The University of Lagos had the facilities they used at the NUGA games two years ago; with all equipment put in order, I can say that they are ready. Of course, LASU too had to work on their facilities, and they are top-notch.
“It is a Lagos game apart from the fact that it is hosted by mostly the two universities. The Lagos University of Education will be hosting one of the events, which is badminton, with the centre not far from LASU.”
“The Lagos State government has been very supportive, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu providing us with all that is needed for the event. Everyone has been very supportive, and I can say that Lagos is ready with all the facilities and the game village all ready for the event.
“I can assure you that Africa is going to have the best African Universities Games in Lagos 2024, and our watchword in Lagos is ‘Compete, Unite, and Excel.’ Because this is the first time that two universities will be co-hosting the games and Africa will see the best FASU games ever.”
Nigeria hosted the third FASU Games in 2004 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi.
This edition has historical significance as it marks the first-ever joint hosting by two universities.
More than 3,500 students from about 100 universities are expected to participate in the event that will run from September 20 to 29.
Ten editions of FASU have been held since inception: Ghana 1974, Kenya 1978, Nigeria 2004, South Africa 2006, Uganda 2008, Namibia 2012, Kenya 2014, South Africa 2016, Ethiopia 2018, and Kenya 2022.
