Coaching the Coaches: NPLCMA/AMAPRO’s Ikenne Training Elevates Tactical Standards

 

The serene town of Ikenne in Ogun State played host to an impactful gathering of elite football minds as the Nigeria Premier League Club Managers Association, NPLCMA held its Advanced Technical and Tactical Training/Workshop between June 25th and 28th, 2025. 

The event attracted top football coaches from clubs across the country, seeking to refresh their tactical understanding and embrace new dimensions in modern football coaching.

Jointly packaged by AMAPRO and Phreestyle Sport Limited, the three-day intensive training session featured renowned resource persons who brought with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. 

The sessions were designed to expose participants to global best practices and the evolving methodologies in the art and science of coaching.

The event was a grand affair, graced by top dignitaries in Nigerian football. Among them were the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau; his Vice President, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye; and the Head of Technical at the NFF, Augustine Eguavoen. 

Also present were football investor and philanthropist, Honourable Kunle Soname, President of NPLCMA, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, as well as other key stakeholders.

In his welcome address, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote expressed profound appreciation to members of the Association for taking time out of their schedules to attend the training. 

He emphasized the importance of continuous learning, stating that the workshop was not only a refresher but also a platform to align with new vistas and innovations in coaching.

In his remarks, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau commended the NPLCMA for the initiative, describing the workshop as timely and progressive. 

He assured the Association of the Federation’s willingness to support similar future initiatives aimed at raising coaching standards in the country.

NFF Vice President and Chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL board, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, also praised the organizers and called for synergy between the NPFL and the NPLCMA. 

Honourable Kunle Soname encouraged the continuity of such capacity-building efforts, noting that coaching development is key to achieving football excellence at both club and national levels.

The first day of the workshop featured engaging presentations that sparked vibrant discussions. 

Mohammed ElBadary kicked things off with a lecture on "Scientific Approaches to Coaching,” challenging participants to embrace data and evidence-based strategies. 

Augustine Eguavoen followed with a rousing presentation on "Leadership and Our National Philosophy," highlighting the need for identity and direction in coaching Nigerian teams.

Coach Monday Odigie delivered a well-received session on the concepts of GRIP and GAG—modern acronyms in coaching circles—explaining how they align with player management and tactical discipline. 

The day concluded with an open-floor technical exchange session, allowing coaches to share experiences and learn from one another.

Day Two continued in the same rich vein, Shogo Shodunnke, Director of AMAPRO and Phreestyle Sport Limited, gave an insightful talk on "Communication and Relationship in Modern Coaching," where he emphasized emotional intelligence, media handling, and team cohesion. The day was rounded off with practical sessions and another round of technical exchanges.

The final day brought a highlight moment as the newly appointed Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, took participants through a deep dive into "Modernized Coaching Tactics and Adaptation of Training." 

His session was interactive and forward-looking, providing attendees with tactical insights from elite-level football.

The workshop ended on a high note, with participants leaving Ikenne inspired and better equipped to face the tactical demands of modern football. 

The success of the event reinforces the NPLCMA’s commitment to excellence and sets a new benchmark for coaching development programs in Nigeria.

AMAPRO 2024: Shodunnke reveals path to glory for unearthing top young talents

 

It’s just six days to the prestigious AMAPRO Football Championship with plans revealed on path to glory for the best young players and emerging stars. 

Taking place from July 1st to 7th, 2024, the AMAPRO Football Championship will see 16 teams featuring some of the world’s best emerging talent and future legends take to the pitch in Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin. 

The brain behind AMAPRO, Shogo Shodunnke spoke on the plans for this year’s tournament. 

“AMAPRO started in 2016 as a community project with 4 teams and from there to 6, 8, 12 teams. Now, we're having 16 teams in AMAPRO. We always have approximately 34 teams who are willing to play the tournament but we go for 16 teams every season. 

“It's a platform for young guys to become professionals, also, there is always a difficulty in transiting from the grassroots to the professional level. 

"We felt that there needs to bridge the gap for the grassroot players to become professionals within a short time. And that's how we came up with AMAPRO.

“We brought in the professional players in the NPFL, NNL and NLO to form a team, trying to strike a balance between the professional players and amateurs, using them to motivate the grassroot players.” Shogo said. 

Shodunnke, who is an alumnus of FIFA International University Network, CIES, also highlighted the growth of AMAPRO in the past few years. 

“We've been able to achieve a lot of results. In less than 8 years, we've been able to produce 165 professional players from the grassroots, with some playing abroad and others playing in the Nigerian leagues. 

“AMAPRO has gone beyond Nigeria. We've seen a lot of opportunities, being invited to Europe. 

"Tibu Africa invited AMAPRO to Egypt based on our achievements. The concept is to assist the helpless and hopeless through football and to create a lot of breadwinners. If you have 10 footballers playing professionally abroad, the impact within the community will be felt. It's not about us alone but about the generation to come."

He also revealed the inclusion of a foreign team in this year’s tournament and also partnerships in place. 

“We can see a lot of projects like Championship in Europe, Viareggio 74th Edition, Gothia Cup in Sweden and more. We have to start small and grow big and that's what we're trying to do. 

"I hope this year, we're going to add a lot of clubs into it. We've gotten clubs from Benin Republic and Ghana. Also, a lot of agents are willing to come.

“We've signed partnerships with a lot of performance analysis companies abroad. It's just to see how we can diversify and spice things up, and bring a lot of people into it to help. 

“Initially, we were doing it locally, bringing coaches from within and few agents to see what we were doing. Now, it's big. Close to about 10 agents are coming and have partnered with about 13 clubs who will be watching the Championship live via streaming platforms. 

"Also, we've gotten a big brand coming in. This year is going to be big because we're encouraging people to have a well structured football academy and clubs and also to bring in a lot of talented players.

“This is nothing that has to do with relationships or trying to help people based on who you are or where you're coming from. If you have the skills, talent and are ready, AMAPRO is ready to give you the platform to shine. 

“I believe this year's edition will be one of the best. We just want your support, collaborations; open to opportunities, partnerships and relationships.” Shogo said.

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 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.

AMAPROBet9ja2023: Organizers Announce Drizleen as Kit Partners

 

Ahead of kickoff of the 8th edition of Bet9ja AMAPRO Football championship, organisers have announced Osun State based kit brand DRIZLEEN as the official kits partner. 

Drizleen who is the kit  partners of notable clubs in Osun State and South West including Osun United, Igbajo United, H.M.K FC, City Roller FC,  Whykay Warrior Iragbiji, Gbeja FC and Y.S.F FC among others will kit the officials at the AmaproBet9ja Championship.

The CEO Abioye Idris reacting to this development expressed delight to be part of the project supporting talents from the street through AMAPRO and to  showcase the Drizleen brand to the public.

"We are very happy to partner with AMAPRO and looking forward to support talent from the street through AMAPRO and to network our brand to the public", he said.

BrainBehind Bet9ja AMAPRO Championship, Shogo Shodunnke told newsmen that the motive of the competition was in tandem with what Drizleen stand for which is given grassroots teams opportunities to be seen in a unique ways. 

The Bet9ja AMAPRO Championship will kickoff from the 3rd July and last till 9th July, 2023 at the KFA Pitch in Ilorin.

AMAPRO shake hands with Bet9ja to give hope to hopeless through football

The organizers of AMAPRO Football Championship has announced a staggering sponsorship deal with foremost Nigerian betting company, Bet9ja. 

Shogo Shodunnke, CEO of Phreestyle Sport and AMAPRO made the announcement of the deal with Bet9ja on Sunday. 

According to Shodunnke, “This is a great step for AMAPRO Football Championship as Bet9ja is coming on as a sponsor. We are ready for this partnership to help build and discover football talents across the country. 

“It’s a different pattern this year and it is solely because of our sponsors. Bet9ja is the biggest betting brand in Nigeria.” Shogo said.

Bet9ja representative and Grand Master Super Agent, Alhaji Al-Amin Lukman Walter highlighted the reason the leading gaming company in Nigeria decided to partner Amapro. 

“We are impressed with the AMAPRO project and decided to seal a partnership with the brand. We are partnering with Amapro to give hope to the hopeless and helpless through football.

“Bet9ja is beyond just betting but an organization that is passionate about the 

development of sports and Nigerian youths. 

“We are collaborating with AMAPRO to create pathways and opportunities for our youths and building a sustainable platform for people to grow”. Walter said. 

Amapro Football Championship is an annual football fiesta which is set up to bridge gaps between the amateur and professional footballers, with the aim of discovering more talents across the country. 

The 8th edition of Amapro Football Championship will start with playoffs, and will be held in three senatorial districts which are; Kwara North, Kwara South and Kwara Central. 

The playoffs will be played from the 15th - 18th of June at the Lafiagi Stadium, Offa Township Stadium and Kwara State Stadium.

Eventual winners from each district will get automatic qualification to participate in the main championship.

Sixteen (16) teams across the country will participate in this year's AMAPRO Football Championship which will kick off from the 3rd of July through to the 9th of July, 2023 at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.

NNL Allstars are the defending champions of Amapro Football Championship. They defeated NPFL All Stars 3-2 on penalties (1-1 AET) in last year's final.

Second AMAPRO League kicks off October 10

All is now set for the second edition of Amateur and Professional, AMAPRO Football Championship  slated for Ilorin on October 10 in Ilorin, theKwara State capital.

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"