OAU emerges champion of Osun Intercollegiate Games 2024
By Olaolu Joseph
The Osun Intercollegiate Games 2024 concluded on Wednesday at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Sports Complex, marking the end of a thrilling two-week competition that brought together over 1,000 athletes from 13 tertiary institutions across Osun State.
Amid resounding cheers and vibrant displays of sportsmanship, Team OAU emerged as the undisputed champions, securing 14 medals, including a remarkable 12 golds and two bronzes.
Their victory was built on dominance across strategic and physical sports, with standout performances in Chess, Scrabble, and Athletics. The 100m and 200m sprint events highlighted OAU’s athletic prowess as Oyeyemi Adedoyin claimed gold in the 100m women’s category, while Jegede Mariam and Ogunnaike Adegoke triumphed in the 200m women’s and men’s events, respectively.
The relay events were equally spectacular. OAU’s men’s and women’s teams clinched gold in the 4x100m relay, showcasing impeccable teamwork and determination.
Fountain University finished second with 13 medals, including six golds and seven bronzes. Their crowning achievement came in the Tug-of-War final, where they demonstrated unyielding strength and coordination to defeat UNILESA in straight sets, 2-0. Their success in Badminton also stood out, with their players outmaneuvering opponents with finesse and agility.
UNIOSUN claimed third place with a commendable tally of two golds, four silvers, and one bronze. Their shining moment came in the Women’s Football Final, where they defeated Federal Polytechnic Ede 2-0. Aminat Abiola was the star of the match, netting both goals in the 24th and 54th minutes, cementing her status as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
The football events were electrifying. In the Men’s Football Final, Federal Polytechnic Ede edged OSCOTECH, Esa-Oke, 2-1. Adigun Abiodun was the hero of the match, scoring twice in the 12th and 56th minutes, while Alarape Azeez pulled one back for OSCOTECH in the 68th minute.
The third-place matches were equally intense. OAU’s women’s football team secured bronze after a dramatic penalty shootout against COHT Moro, winning 5-4. In the men’s category, OSPOLY Iree defeated UNILESA 2-1 in a hard-fought encounter.
The closing ceremony was a grand affair, graced by dignitaries including Honourable Abiola Awoyeye, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, and Honourable Eluwole Sunday Adedipo, who represented the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke. The Obalufe of Ife, Chief Idowu Adediwura, representing the Ooni of Ife, added a touch of royalty to the event.
Other notable attendees included Mr. Layi Adesiyan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports; Osun FA Chairman, Mayor Sola Fanawopo; and former Super Falcons Media Manager, Oluchi Tobex Tobe-Chukwu, among others.
The Osun Intercollegiate Games 2024 featured seven sports: Football, Athletics, Table Tennis, Chess, Scrabble, Badminton, and Tug-of-War. The competition provided a platform for athletes to showcase their skills, foster camaraderie, and push the boundaries of excellence in sports.
