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By Umar Muhammed, Lafia
Team Kwara has defeated host, Team Nasarawa, 4-2 in the opening match of the 40th edition of the Ramat Cup 2025 played at the Lafia City Stadium.
Our correspondent who is currently covering the tournament, organised in memory of Nigeria’s late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, has been a marketable place where the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), showcase their various talents for 60 years to fit into global sports selection.
During the opening match played on Saturday at the Lafia City Stadium, Team Nasarawa dominated the first half, but lost concentrations as well as several scoring chances opening to them.
Despite Team Kwara’s defensive efforts after an early goal, Team Nasarawa’s pressure eventually paid off as they equalised and pushed ahead with another goal, giving Team Nasarawa a 2-1 lead at halftime.
Team Nasarawa’s strategy of quick passes and aggressive attack made them control the tempo of the game momentarily.
In the same token, at the return to second half there was a dramatic shift as Team Kwara renforced and adopted a new tactic, which saw them leading with three u repplyied goals.
Although, all frantic efforts by the hosting team to reaffirm their first-half form only landed them into unimaginable trouble as Team Kwara attackers found their rhythm and exploited their chances scoring the crucial goals ending the game 4-2
In a post match interview with newsmen, Abdulgafar Agboola, National Technical Director, Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), explained that the annual tournament has been with some interruptions, and has been hosted in Kano State for about 20 years.
Agboola further narrated that they decided to take the tournament to other parts of the country, and Nasarawa State was chosen as the host for this edition.
His words, “We are here for the 40th Edition of the Ramat Cup international Tournament.
“This Tournament is organised in memory of our late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed who was assassinated on the 13th of February 1976.
He, however, revealed that already 13 states were on ground, and with more states already on their way.
Agboola expressed satisfaction with the opening match between Nasarawa and Kara, adding that, “I am satisfied with the performance of both teams. We derive joy seeing these young lads playing the game, and we have been doing that for 60 years.”
Earlier, Suleiman Bako Usman, Chairman YSFON Nasarawa State chapter, appreciated the leadership of YSFON for giving Nasarawa State the opportunity to host the tournament.
According to him, “I thank the leadership of YSFON for giving Nasarawa State the opportunity to host this edition of Ramat cup.
“We love football, especially with the support of our Governor. I want to use this opportunity to thank Governor Sule for giving us the funds and the enabling environment to participate and host this event.”
Usman then promised participants and spectators of a fantastic football competition, highlighting the importance of sports as a unifying factor.
“Sports is one of the unifying factors, and bringing under-16 teams to Nasarawa State is because the state is one of the most peaceful in Nigeria,” he concluded.
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