Ramat Cup: Defending Champions Kwara Confront Oyo In Final Battle

  Ramat Cup: Defending Champions Kwara Confront Oyo In Final Battle By Paul Akhagbemhe The defending champions of the ongoing Ramat Cup U-16 Football Tournament Kwara State, stood tall this Thursday against all odds defeated their Bauchi opponents 1-0 to clinch the ticket for the final of the tournament It was a battle that kept all the fans on the edge of their seats throughout the duration of the encounter. Although the Bauchi team also gave a good account of themselves but misses and poor shooting technique were their undoing even as the Kwara team showed better courage and experience. Bauchi, the only northern team left in the competition had a combined followership as most of the fans stood behind them but their singing and shouting in support of their darling team did not yield the desired dividend The Kwara team were rugged and in face of stiffer opposition they refused to give in The second semi finals between Ogun State and their Oyo counterparts was also full of anxiety and tension. The south west derby was coloured with supporters of other losing teams. It was a delight to watch as pundits were lost for words After intense fireworks, it was Oyo that carried the day beating Ogun state U-16 team 2-1 The defending champions Kwara will attempt to make history in their quest to retain the trophy on Friday when they confront ball juggling and free soccer playing Oyo opponents by 4:00pm at the Popular Kano Pillars Stadium In Sabon Gari Before then, the third place match between Bauchi and Ogun will come up at the same venue at 2:00pm As part of the day's entertainment programme, the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria YSFON has also lined up an athletics event for the participating teams The States' athletes will feature in 100 metres, 400 metres 200 metres and 4x100 metres relay amongst others with scintillating prizes up for grabs Kano State Government has promised to grace the occasion amongst other numerous invitees from the Nigerian Navy as well as officials of the Federal Ministry of Youths and sports. The Government also promised to give other necessary Support to YSFON to enable them continue to encourage the Youths towards ensuring a rewarding future for our country Nigeria.