In the opening match of the 40th edition of the Ramat Cup, Team Kwara defeated hosts Team Nasarawa 4-2 in a thrilling contest, at the Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa, Nigeria.
The tournament, organised in memory of Nigeria’s late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, has been a staple of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) for 60 years.
Nasarawa dominated the first half, but lost several scoring opportunities. Despite Kwara’s defensive efforts after an early goal, Nasarawa’s pressure eventually paid off as they equalised and pushed ahead with another goal, giving 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 second half, there was a dramatic shift as Kwara regrouped and adopted a strategy, which paid off with three unanswered goals.
Efforts by the home team to regain its first-half form only ended them into more trouble as Team Kwara attackers found their rhythm and exploited their chances scoring the crucial goals ending the game 4-2
In an interview with journalists, National Technical Director, Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Abdulgafar Agboola, said the annual tournament has been with some interruptions, and has been hosted in Kano State for about 20 years.
Agboola stated that they decided to take the tournament to other parts of the country, and Nasarawa State was chosen as the host for this edition.
“We are here for the 40th Edition of the Ramat Cup international Tournament,” he said. “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, explained 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 Kwara.
“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,” Agboola added.
Also speaking, Chairman YSFON Nasarawa State chapter, Suleiman Bako Usman, thanked the leadership of YSFON for giving Nasarawa State the opportunity to host the tournament.
“I thank the leadership of YSFON for giving Nasarawa State the opportunity to host this edition of Ramat cup,” Usman said.
“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 assured 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 said.
With teams from across the country, the 40th edition of the Ramat Cup promises to be an exciting and memorable event.