It was an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie on Monday as the Oyo State Ministry of Information defeated the Oyo State House of Assembly 1–0 in a friendly football match held to mark the 2025 Nigeria Union of Journalists, Information Chapel (NUJIC) Week.
The keenly contested encounter, staged at Ikolaba High School, Ibadan, drew a lively crowd of Information Chapel members, officials from both the Ministry and the Assembly, as well as well-wishers who came to witness the symbolic sporting event.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, kicked off the match at 2:40 p.m., setting the tone for a thrilling contest. Both teams displayed impressive teamwork and determination in the first half, but solid defending and outstanding goalkeeping kept the game goalless at halftime.
The tempo increased in the second half as both sides sought the breakthrough. The decisive moment came when Adebayo Taiwo, the Ministry’s striker, rose highest to head home a cross after a goalmouth scramble a strike that sent the Ministry’s bench and supporters into wild jubilation.
Despite late pressure from the Assembly team, the Ministry’s defense held firm to secure the narrow victory.
Speaking after the match, the Chairman of the NUJ, Information Chapel, Comrade Ismail Fasasi, expressed appreciation to the Oyo State House of Assembly team for honouring the invitation, describing the game as a symbol of unity and friendship among government professionals.
“This gesture reflects the camaraderie between us and will further strengthen our working relationship,” Fasasi said, while commending his team for their resilience and well-deserved victory.
With Taiwo’s decisive header sealing the win, the encounter will be remembered as one of the high points of the 2025 NUJIC Week celebrations.
