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
