Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has earned commendation after winning 11 medals with just eight athletes at the 15th West Africa University Games (WAUG) 2026, finishing seventh on the overall medal table.
Key Highlights
- DELSU won seven gold, two silver and two bronze medals at WAUG 2026.
- The university competed with eight athletes across athletics, judo and swimming.
- Vice-Chancellor Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba was commended for approving a two-week training camp in Asaba.
- The university finished fourth at the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Games before its latest WAUG achievement.
- DELSU’s proposed ultra-modern sports complex is expected to support future athlete development and wider participation in university sports.
The university’s DELSU WAUG 2026 medals haul has highlighted the potential of its athletes and the importance of institutional support, adequate preparation and investment in sports development.
The performance has drawn particular commendation for the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, for approving a two-week training camp in Asaba ahead of the competition.
DELSU competed in the men’s 100-metre sprint with two athletes, women’s judo with two athletes, and swimming with four male athletes.
Despite its limited representation, the university secured an impressive medal haul, raising expectations that increased investment, wider participation and improved sporting facilities could strengthen its position at future university competitions.
Asagba’s Support for DELSU Athletes Earns Commendation
A major highlight of the university’s preparation was the two-week training programme approved by Asagba, which allowed the athletes to prepare using training facilities available in Delta State’s capital.
The initiative has been described as evidence of the importance of structured preparation, access to quality facilities and administrative commitment to competitive success.
DELSU’s proposed ultra-modern sports complex is also expected to play a significant role in its long-term sporting ambitions.
If completed, the facility could improve athlete development, training, competitions and sports science activities while creating opportunities for talent identification and the preparation of athletes across more sporting disciplines.
Special recognition has also gone to Mrs Epebi-Ebi Noah, the swimming coach who accompanied the DELSU swimming team to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the venue for the swimming competition.
Her presence during the event was highlighted as an example of the importance of technical guidance, coaching support and close supervision in preparing athletes for major competitions.
The Chairman of the University Sports Committee, Professor Ochuko Nabofa, was equally commended for his leadership and contribution to strengthening the university’s sporting environment.
The Acting Director of Sports, Peter Omojuwa, and Chief Coach Lucky Ajaino were also recognised for their administrative and technical roles in the university’s sports programme.
Their contributions, alongside the support of the university management, have been described as important to sustaining the progress recorded by DELSU athletes.
Read also:
- DELSU Releases 2026/2027 Admission Cut-Off Marks
- FG approves N48 BillTETFund intervention to upgrade DELSU, 11 other Universities’ Engineering Facilities
- DELSU moves degree, diploma certificate collection online
DELSU Builds on Fourth-Place Finish at NUGA Games
The latest achievement follows another notable performance at the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Games, where DELSU finished fourth in what was regarded as one of the finest outings in the institution’s sporting history.
The performances at NUGA and WAUG have strengthened expectations that the university could emerge as a more competitive force in Nigerian university sports.
However, DELSU’s participation in only three sporting events at WAUG 2026 also presents an opportunity to expand its sports programme.
Increased participation, improved talent identification, sustained funding, modern equipment, qualified coaches and enhanced athlete welfare could help the university compete for higher positions on future medal tables.
The proposed sports complex could provide the foundation for this expansion, particularly if supported by investment in sports medicine, strength and conditioning, performance monitoring and other athlete development programmes.
DELSU’s return of 11 medals from eight athletes is an encouraging result for the institution and its sports administrators.
With continued support from Asagba, the University Sports Committee, the Directorate of Sports and the coaching team, the university has an opportunity to build on its recent successes and strengthen its reputation among Nigeria’s leading sporting institutions.
The WAUG 2026 outing has demonstrated the potential of DELSU athletes while underscoring the need for sustained investment, broader participation and effective sports administration to translate individual successes into long-term institutional achievement.
For more sports news, follow us on X.
