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The 40th edition of the Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed U-16 Boys’ Football Tournament kicked off in grand style on Saturday at the Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa State — with colour, fanfare, and a heavy downpour that failed to dampen the competitive spirit.
In the opening fixture, Kwara State U-16 boys spoiled the host’s celebration, securing a commanding 4–2 victory over Nasarawa. Tobi Adeoye opened the scoring for Kwara before Abubakar Usman equalised for the hosts. However, Mubarak Jimoh’s brace and Uthman Tajudeen’s clinical strike put the visitors firmly in control, rendering Aliyu Adamu’s late goal for Nasarawa nothing more than a consolation.
The Ramat Cup, staged annually in honour of the late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed — assassinated on February 13, 1976 — has been a breeding ground for grassroots football talents since its inception in 1977. This year’s edition has drawn teams from across the country.
In the group stage draw, Group A features Nasarawa, Kwara, Plateau, and Sokoto States; Group B has FCT Abuja, Gombe, and Benue; Group C comprises Ondo, Kebbi, and Bauchi; while Group D pits Enugu, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Borno against each other. Organisers have indicated that additional late-arriving teams will be paired accordingly.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, YSFON National Technical Director, Abdulgafar Agboola, assured of a hitch-free and memorable tournament, commending Governor Abdullahi Sule and the Nasarawa State Government for their commitment to hosting the event. Nasarawa State YSFON Chairman, Suleiman Usman Bako, expressed pride in hosting the milestone edition, describing sports as “one of the major unifying factors in our society” and thanking stakeholders for their support.
The ceremony attracted notable dignitaries, including former Kano State Deputy Governor and YSFON National President, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna (represented by Justice [Rtd] Habibu Idris), Yakubu Ahmed Ubangari PhD (DG Nasarawa State Bureau), Hajia Safiya Muhammad (YSFON National Financial Secretary), Segun Akeusola, Sulieman Usman Ubangari, and Ahmed Abdullah.
The one-week tournament will climax on August 16, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds.
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