Kwara state yesterday, at the Lafia Township Stadium defeated hosts Nasarawa 4-2 in the opening match of the 40th edition of the Ramat Cup International tournament.
Lafia City, Nasarawa State came alive from yesterday, as states across the federation converge to celebrate the 40th Ramat/YSFON U-16 Football Tournament, 2025.
The prestigious grassroots football event, being organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) will as usual, feature U16 teams from different parts of the country, competing for national honours.
This year’s edition marks the 40th anniversary of the tournament, which is being held in memory of Nigeria’s former Head of State, the late General Murtala Mohammed.
Over the years, the championship has produced notable football talents who have gone on to represent Nigeria at junior and senior levels.
Kwara Football Academy U16 team are flying the flag of Kwara State, with hopes of clinching the trophy for a record third time.
The academy previously won the tournament during the 37th and 38th editions held in 2020 and 2021 respectively, in Kano.
This year’s edition marks a significant milestone, being the first time in recent history that the tournament will be hosted outside Kano, with Lafia stepping in as the new host city.
Team Kwara (KFA) were drawn in Group A, along side host Nasarawa, Plateau and Sokoto states. 15 of the 20 players presented by Kwara scale through screening to participate in the tournament.
Nasarawa State Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Salisu Usman Galadima (Dan Iyan Kwandare) was the special guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the 40th Anniversary and Opening match at the Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa State.
The State FA supremo who was in the company of the FA’s secretary, Assistant Secretary and some of his Board members performed the celebratory kick off before the game began proper.
Dignitaries present at the opening ceremony includes the President of YSFON, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna (Former Deputy Governor of Kano State) ably represented by Justice (Rtd) Habibu Idris, Vice President YSFON (North East), Salisu Usman Galadima (Nasarawa State FA Chairman), Yakubu Ahmed Ubangari PhD (DG Nasarawa State Bareau), Segun Akeusola Board Member NSFA and also the Former Chairman Nasarawa State YSFON), Hajia Safiya Muhammad (National Financial Secretary YSFON), Sulieman Usman Ubangari (Chairman Nasarawa State YSFON), Abdulgafar Agboola, National Technical Director, YSFON, and Ahmed Abdullah.
N-Sports Academy Abuja are the defending champions of the tournament .
Meanwhile, matches continues today after yesterday’s kick off, with high expectations for exciting football actions throughout the week-long competition.
