The Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development suffered a historic setback on Wednesday after losing 2–1 to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) football team — the first time the Ministry has ever been defeated by the Corps members.
In the friendly match played at the Lafia City Stadium, the Ministry’s side — missing their Commissioner and first-choice goalkeeper, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, as well as their influential Permanent Secretary and top striker, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan — fell behind early when Okeke Okwudili Epiphany struck for NYSC.
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Epiphany doubled the lead shortly after, capitalising on a defensive error as NYSC dominated the first half and went into the break 2–0 up.
The Ministry side, coached by Haruna Adamu, made tactical adjustments in the second half and managed to pull one back through Lawrence Sime late in the game. Despite mounting pressure in the closing stages, the Ministry failed to find the equaliser as the NYSC team held on for a landmark victory — their first in five meetings.
Reacting after the match, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, praised his team’s effort while attributing the loss to key absences and fatigue.
“It was a tough game for us today,” he said.
“The Honourable Commissioner — our first-choice goalkeeper — was unavailable due to an engagement with the Acting Governor. I am also still returning to full fitness, so the medical team advised the coaches to rest me.”
Dr. Alhassan said the NYSC team had prepared intensely for the game, while Ministry staff had been stretched by administrative duties.
“We understand how it feels to get your first win against a perennial conqueror like the Ministry. That is one win against four in five meetings — the statistics still favour us,” he added.
He assured supporters that the Ministry team would “return to the drawing board, restrategize, and reclaim our rightful position” in future fixtures.
Dr. Alhassan congratulated the NYSC players on their victory and commended their sportsmanship.
