Abraysports pip KFA to win 2023 AMAPRO Bet9ja Championship

 

Abraysports FC have emerged champions of the 2023 AMAPROBet9ja Football Championship following their 1-0 victory over Kwara Football Academy (KFA) in the final on Sunday in Ilorin.

Olabode Solabi was the hero of the day as his 11th minute penalty handed his side their first ever AMAPRO title after losing the final to NNL All Stars in 2021.

The game lived up to expectations with both sides coming at each other in the early minutes but the first chance fell to Abraysports when Adebayo Suraj sent in a well measured cross to find Onatola Ayobami, but Kolo Samson the goalkeeper for KFA produced an outstanding moment to put it out.

Samson was penalized in the 8th minute following a foul on Solabi inside the area as the centre referee wasted no time pointing to the spot.

Solabi took the responsibility upon himself as he converted from 12 yards to put Abraysports FC on the driving seat in the 11th minute.

KFA came close to getting a timely equalizer three minutes after but Quadri Ahmed sky rocketed his effort hurriedly from close range.

The dangerous Solabi had the chance to double the lead for Abraysports on 20th minutes after connecting perfectly with the pass from Obadun Rasheed but his effort went wide.

KFA got the chance to level the score but Uche Solomon's free kick was well dealt with by the defense of Abraysport as they held on to the lead into the break.

KFA began the second half looking for a quick response as Anthony Sunday initiated an attack for KFA as he delivered a well timed pass to Jelil whose effort went way wide off target.

Azeez Sodiq on two occasions came close to getting the leveller for KFA from dead ball situations but his efforts were agonizingly struck against woodwork on both occasions.

The pressure kept mounting on Abraysports FC late in the game but the defense was on ground to curtail the attacking forays of KFA.

At the end it was Abraysports who emerged winners of the 8th edition of the 2023 AmaproBet9ja Football Championship.

The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman who was special guest of honor presented the giant trophy to Suleman Alase, captain of Abraysports.

Governor Abdulrahman also presented the King of AMAPRO, Prince of AMAPRO and Tournament's top scorer awards to the winners.

AMAPROBet9ja Football Championship semifinal wrap: Abraysport pips SGFC to set up final against KFA

Abraysports Football Club will be taking on Kwara Football Academy (KFA) in the final of 2023 AMAPRO Bet9ja Football Championship billed for Sunday in Ilorin. 

The final will be Abraysports' second in three years having been a losing in 2021 against NNL All Stars. 

The team led by former NPFL icon, Sarafa Usman defeated SGFC Athletics by a lone goal in the first semi-final played at the Pitch A of KFA. 

Sholabi Bode headed home a good corner from Adebayo Suraj just nine minutes into the match. 

SGFC had themselves to blame for the defeat having missed number of chances created with Samuel Bamigboye the major culprit. 

The second semifinal saw KFA recorded the same scoreline against HMK FC from Osogbo courtesy of Mukhtar Habeeb's brilliant finish as he capitalized on a lose ball in HMK defense. 

Sunday Samuel went close to doubling the lead for KFA in the second half but was denied by HMK goalkeeper.

The Coach Ladi Ojokojo boys will be playing in their first ever final of AMAPRO championship which will be against one of their city rivals, Abraysports.

According to BrainBehind of the championship, Shogo Shodunnke, fantastic prizes have been set aside for King of AMAPRO, top scorer and best goalkeeper.

Shodunnke added that Executive Chairman of Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji, Chairman of Kwara State Football Association, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris will be among the top dignitaries expected at the final. 

NNL All Stars won the last edition of the AMAPRO Bet9ja Football Championship after beating NPFL All Stars 3-2 on penalties.

AMAPRO Bet9ja Football Championship Quarter-final wrap: Abraysports, HMK, KFA zoom to last four

 

The trio of SGFC Athletics, Abraysports and HMK FC, all from the Nationwide League One (NLO) have been joined by Kwara Football Academy (KFA) in the semi-final of 2023 AMAPRO Bet9ja Football Championship taking place in Ilorin.

The Quarter-final matches that were decided on Friday produced enthralling encounters.

Opening match of the quarter-final was between SGFC Athletics and Nigeria National League (NNL) All Stars which ended 1-0 in favor of the latter.

Samuel Bamigboye scored the lone goal of the match in the 73rd minute after both sides had fluffed numerous begging chances.

Abraysports got the better of Jazzy Stars FA from Jos with 3-0 victory in the second quarterfinal engagement. 

Two quick first half goals from Onatola Ayobami and Quadri Hammed put the NLO side in the driving seat. 

Jazzy Stars tried to stage rally in the second half but met a more resolute Abraysporty side. Subomi Olatunji put the icing on the cake with third goal to seal the last four spot.

The encounter between Dickalo FA and HMK FC from Osun State was decided on penalties with the latter winning 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 in the normal time. 

Ibrahim Akinade shot HMK to the lead in the 17th minute with a sublime free kick that left Dickalo keeper stranded.

Emmanuel Damilola got the equalizer for Dickalo within seconds into restart. Both sides would then canceled each other out for the remainder of the game until it headed to shootouts that was deservedly won 4-3 by HMK, thanks to brilliant goalkeeping by Okotore Rasheed. 

The last match of the quarterfinal between KFA and NPFL All Stars was also decided by penalties.

The young academy boys marched the NPFL big boys for strength as they held on to a goalless affair in normal time. 

The host boys won the shootouts by 5-3 to pick the last ticket for the semi-final. 

SGFC Athletics and Abraysports will square up for the first semifinal on Saturday by 7:15am at the Pitch A of KFA while HMK FC will then be taking on KFA in the second semifinal match by 9:20am. 

The grand finale will be decided on Sunday at the same venue.

Former Shooting Stars and Vandrezzer striker, Kola Daniel is currently leading the goalscorer's chart with five goals.

AMAPROBet9ja 2023 Day Two Wrap: KFA, Dickalo seal quarter final spot as NPFL All Stars record first victory

 NNL All Stars continued to struggle after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Amapro Selected SA on Matchday two of the ongoing Amapro Bet9ja Football Championship in Ilorin. 

Bolaji Olawuyi scored on the 60th minute to cancel out Seun Ogunlana's early opener as the defending champions were held to a disappointing draw.

NPFL All Stars bounced back from their disappointing opening day defeat to Laycon FA as they beat SGFC Athletics 2-1 to record their first win in the competition.

Abayomi Junior took advantage of a mistake from SGFC Athletics goalkeeper Godwin Friday to tap in the opener for last year’s finalists. Samuel Bamigboye restored parity for the NLO side with just minutes before the break.

Issa Gata, who came on as a substitute scored very early in the second half to hand NPFL All-stars their first win in this year’s tournament.

The Jos boys have failed to win in their second game of the tournament as they settled for a stalemate against Le Pass SSA, who won their first game of the tournament. 

Abraysports FC continued with their impressive form following a 2-0 win over Teworh SC on Tuesday. 

Onatola Ayobami put Abraysports FC in the lead before Adeshina Mayowa increased the tally with a sublime free kick in the first half. Abraysports FC finished the game with two wins in two games. 

Da Faria showed promises of getting their first win this year, early in the game but KFA hit the the target first through a sublime free kick from Uche Solomon before Quadri Hammed doubled their lead early in the second half. Yinka Ayodele got one back for Da Faria SC  through a fine header but it was not enough to stop KFA from getting their second straight win. 

It was a day for Olaniyan Moshood as he netted a brace in Laycon FA’s 3-1 win. 

Gotie Taofiq opened the scoring for Laycon FA in the first half and Olaniyan Moshood increased the lead early in the second half with a sublime free kick. Gateway FA got back in the game with a spot kick from Akomolede Ayobami before Olaniyan Moshood sealed the game for Laycon FA with a fine strike late in the game. 

Pro leaguers remain winless  in the competition in two games after  their 1-0 defeat to HMK.

Alabi Nafiu was the hero for the Osogbo based side as his first half strike provide pivotal as they recorded their first win after their 1-1 draw against Ajaokuta FA in their first game.

Tosin Olawale and Kolawole Daniel were on target again for Dickalo FC as they beat Ajaokuta FA 2-0 to book their spot in the quarter finals of the competition.

By Wale Mustapha

AMAPROBet9ja2023 Day One Wrap: Humbling start for NNL All-stars, NPFL All-stars as Dickalo win big

 

AMAPRO Bet9ja 2023 football championship kicked off in style on Monday at the Kwara Football Academy, KFA pitch in Ilorin with 19 goals scored that had interesting encounters and upsets.

Kwara United duo of Godwin Oshagbemi and Abubakar Garba powered Kwara Football Academy (KFA) to a 2-1 comeback win over defending champions, NNL All-stars in what was tagged as star match of opening day. 

Olasoju Jamiu fired NNL All-stars into the lead early in the 16th minute to set the pace for the game. 

Oshagbemi headed home on the 29th minutes to restore parity before Abubakar Garba powered in the winner on the 65th minute as they stunned the boys from the Most Important League in Nigeria to a 2-1 defeat.

A stalemate ended the affairs between AMAPRO Sports Academy and Da Faria SC. 

Both sides had good chances to grab a win in their first game but it was only going to end in a stalemate. 

2021 finalists, Abraysports FC came from a goal down to beat Ajaokuta FA in their opening game. 

Hyacinth Lazarus put Ajaokuta FA ahead early in the first half with a screamer from outside the area. Molaoye Abiodun leveled scoring with a fine header from a good Suraj Adebayo’s cross. 

Abraysports FC went ahead late in the game, after Adebayo directed a fine cross from the corner kick into Ajaokuta’s area and Mubaraq Hammed headed home the winner. 

Another shock defeat was recorded as the Pro Leaguers fell to a late goal from first timers, Le Pass SSA. 

Pro Leaguers had a chance to go ahead after winning a penalty in the second half but Afeez Yusuf missed the spot kick to keep the game at stalemate. 

A fine counter attack from Le Pass SSA late in the game eventually determined the outcome of the match. Tajudeen Abdulateef put Le Pass SSA ahead with a beautiful curler down the right and Lukman Orire was found wanting. 

The first half between Jazzy Stars FA and HMK FC ended in stalemate as both sides failed to convert their good chances. 

Jazzy Stars FA opened the scoring in the second half with a fine header from Ebenezer Okereke before Alabi Sodiq leveled from the spot kick late in the game. 

SGFC Athletics SC raced to a 2-0 win over Gateway FA of Ekiti with goals coming from Sunday Ekene and Adebowale Awolola on the 68th and 75th minutes respectively.

Dickalo FA recorded the heaviest win of the opening day as they thrashed Teworh SC 5-0. 

Two goals apiece from Lawal Azeez and Kolawole Daniel and a strike from Adams Ibrahim powered Dickalo FA to resounding victory over Kaduna based side, Teworh SC.

Laycon FA produced the biggest upset as they came from behind to beat NPFL All-stars 2-1, courtesy of goals from David John and Olaniyan Moshood in the 78th and 89th minutes to cancel out Babatunde Taofeek's 56th minute opener.

This tournament which is proudly sponsored by foremost Nigerian betting company, Bet9ja continues on Tuesday with other interesting fixtures. 

Final will be decided on Sunday 9th July, 2023 in Ilorin. 

Matchday Results: 

Amapro Selected SA 0-0 Da Faria

Dickalo FA 5-0 Teworh SC

SGFC Athletics 2-0 Gateway FA

KFA 2-1 NNL All-stars

Abraysports 2-1 Ajaokuta FA

Le Pass SSA 1-0 Pro Leaguers

Laycon FA 2-1 NPFL All-stars

Jazzy Stars FA 1-1 HMK FC 

Defending champions NNL All Stars in tough group as organizers release fixtures for 2023 AMAPRO Bet9ja championship

 

The 2022 Champions of AMAPRO Bet9ja Football Championship, NNL All-Stars have been handed a tough draw in the 2023 edition, which is scheduled to kickoff on Monday in Ilorin. 

NNL All-stars, who defeated NPFL All-stars 3-2 on penalties in last year's final have been placed in Group B alongside, Kwara Football Academy (KFA), Da Faria FC and AMAPRO SSA. 

Last year’s finalists, NPFL All-stars will compete in Group A against Nationwide League One, NLO side, SGFC Athletics, Laycon FA and Gateway FA. 

In Group C, 2021 Finalists, Abraysports FC will compete against Teworh Sports Club, Dickalo FA and Ajaokuta FA. 

The Pro-leaguers will battle the boys from jos, Jazzy Stars FA, HMK FC from Osogbo and Le Pass SA in Group D of the championship that is sponsored by the leading getting platform in Nigeria, Bet9ja. 

The 8th edition of the tournament kick starts on Monday, July 3rd while the final will be decided on Sunday 9th of July, 2023. 

Group A

1. NPFL All-stars

2. SGFC 

3. Gateway FA

4. Laycon FC

Group B

1. NNL All-stars

2. Amapro SSA

3. Da Faria FC

4. KFA

Group C

1. Teworh Sports Club

2. Dickalo FA

3. Abraysports FC

4. Ajaokuta FA

Group D

1. Jazzy Stars FA

2. HMK FC

3. Pro-Leaguers

4. Le Pass SA. 

NPFL All-Stars, NNL All-Stars, Gateway FC, KFA, 12 others confirmed for 8th AMAPROBet9ja Championship as Draw Holds July 1st

 

Sixteen (16) teams have been confirmed for the 2023 edition of Amateur and Professional, AMAPRO football championship billed to kickoff on Monday 3rd July, 2023 at the Kwara Football Academy, KFA Pitch, Ilorin. 

Notable among the participating teams are regular comers, Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL All Stars, Nigeria National League, NNL All Stars, Nationwide League One side, Abraysport FC, Gateway FC from Ekiti State. 

Others are Laycon FC, AMAPRO Sporting Academy, HMK FC from Osogbo, SGFC Athletics, Dickalo Football Academy, Barrier Football Club, Kwara Football Academy, KFA and Le Pass Sporting Academy.

The eight edition that is sponsored by the leading betting platform in Nigeria, BET9JA will also have Jazzy Stars FA from Jos, Ajaokuta FA from Kogi State, Da Faria FC from Lagos, and Teworh FA from Kaduna.

In a media release by the Communication Unit of the Championship on Wednesday, the 16 teams will be group into four groups with four teams each. 

There will be prizes for the best goalkeeper, top scorer and King of the championship. 

The release disclosed that the draws ceremony where fixtures will be released will take place on Saturday 1st July, 2023 via zoom. 

The AMAPROBet9ja championship will kickoff on the 3rd July with final to be decided on Sunday 9th of July 2023.

NNL All Stars defeated NPFL All Stars 4-3 on penalties to emerge winners of the last edition.

KFA players, staffs protest over hunger, unpaid salaries

Staff and students of Kwara Football Academy (KFA) on Thursday blocked the entrance leading to the institution's premises over protest of backlog of unpaid salaries and hunger. 

Phreestyle Sport Organizes AMAPRO Football League

As part of its drive to reduce the gap between professionals footballers and non leaguers in Kwara State and its environs, FIFA licensed sports management organization, Phreestyle Sport is creating a meeting point to cross ideas and learning with a mini league tagged 'AMAPRO Football League"