The opening ceremony of the 11th All-African University Games co-hosted by the University of Lagos and Lagos State University, kicked off at the University of Lagos Sports Centre on Saturday 21st September 2024.
But beyond the thirty-two private and public-owned academic institutions and hundreds of student-athletes, who graced the tournament from across Africa, it is an honour bestowed upon a few to be an athlete and a flag bearer at the 2024 FASU Games in Lagos, Nigeria.
At the early stage of the opening ceremony, hundreds of spectators at the event witnessed the parade of athletes, with each flag bearer hoisting the flag of each institution, as they proudly represented the 32 teams. It was a moment to savour for them, the teams, and their nations.
Lawrence Juicer Limah, Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe, Aside from being an athlete, Lawrence is also an artist, with “Juicer” being his Artist name.
He is excited about representing his country in this year’s FASU tournament, and even more excited about being in Nigeria for the first time.
“I will say it’s awesome. I’ve enjoyed being in Nigeria, even though it’s my first time in Nigeria, and also my first time representing my country Zimbabwe, in Nigeria. So far, I’ve been able to meet a lot of people, and they’re very hospitable and I love the food, so much,” he said.
Leaving his country for the first time, and appearing on an international stage, Limah is excited about the opportunity and looks forward to the commencement of the games.
“I feel really special and unique because being here allows me to represent my country’s talents in a different country, and Africa.”
Muhammad Ibrahim from Bayero University, Kano State, Nigeria is the Captain of his team during the parade at the Opening ceremony. He led his team members out of the Sports Centre. Being captain, flag bearer and student-athlete all in one day is an exciting opportunity for Mohammed.
“I am so happy and very excited, and I see this as a great opportunity to be here. Despite the difficulties, we encountered on our way down to Lagos. I’m glad we made it,” He said.
Having travelled by road from Kano, despite possible threats of abduction, Mohammed is not only excited but relieved to have arrived safely in Lagos.
Also, Mohammed is not new to showing up at international stages as a flag bearer; whether this is his first time representing his state.
“No, it’s not. I was at the West African University Games last year and the NUGA Games that was held here, two years ago, in 2022,” he said.
Mahmoud Ahmed Fahmy from the American University in Cairo, Egypt, plays tennis, and this is his first time being in Nigeria.
“It’s been nice being here, especially the people. I’ll say they are very friendly and welcoming and I like that very much,” he said
Like Mohammed, it is not Mahmoud’s first time representing his school and country.
“I was in Kenya two years ago, for the 10 edition of the FASU Games, and it’s something I felt and still feel proud of. And being in Nigeria now, I feel more excited about the opportunity to be here. It’s been great,” he concluded.
The opening ceremony was well attended by several dignitaries across Africa including Ashraf Sobhy, the President of the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU), Mr Ibrahim Tanko Shaibu, the President of NUGA, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, and Professor Folashade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, to mention a few.
Written by Mahbubat Salahudeen, Media Volunteer
