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.

International Sports Strategist Shodunnke Invited to Nairobi for Africa Football Business Summit

 

Shogo Shodunnke, a renowned international sports business strategist and social sports entrepreneur, has been invited as distinguished speaker to the African Football Business Summit.

The prestigious event will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 24 to 25, 2024.

The invitation was extended by Brian Wasaala, founder of the Football Foundation Africa (FFA), who praised Shodunnke's exceptional work in youth empowerment and grassroots development.

Shodunnke's achievements align perfectly with FFA's vision, making him one of the ideal distinguished guest speakers. 

As conveyed by Wasaala, Shodunnke's contributions to African sports development, particularly through the AMAPRO Football Championship and AMA-PRO Africa Development Programme, have significantly impacted youth and sports across Africa.

Shodunnke's leadership at Phreestyle Sport Limited and the H4 Foundation embodies the Summit's theme: "Unlocking Africa's Youth Potential - Sports and Social Innovation at Play."

According to Wasaala, the Summit is aimed to leverage sports for broader social goals and empower the next generation of African leaders.

"Shodunnke's participation will provide valuable insights and opportunities to connect with key stakeholders in African football.

"He will share expertise, explore potential collaborations, and further the goals of the AMA-PRO Africa Development Programme," he said.

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.

Top European scout storms Nigeria for AMAPRO Soccer Market

A renowned football scout, Harry Varley has stormed Kwara State, Nigeria for the maiden edition of AMAPRO Soccer Market where exceptional football talents will be showcased and exposed to a bigger prospects. 

The brain behind Amapro Soccer Market, Shogo Shodunnke on Sunday announced the kickoff date, venue and teams expected to showcase their players in the 2-day scouting tournament in Ilorin. 

“This scouting tournament was created to showcase talented players and put them in the path of greatness. 

“Harry Varley is the head scout for Belgian side KAA Gent in the Africa zone and we have established a partnership with him to create a platform for young talented players to showcase themselves and move up to foreign leagues” Shodunnke said on Sunday. 

Shodunnke also revealed that 12 teams will compete in the 2024 AMAPRO Soccer Market  at the Kwara State Stadium Complex.

“The scouting tournament will have 12 teams, HMK FC, AMAPRO SSA, Kwara Football Academy, Laycon FA, Abraysports FC, Young Antlers, ABS FC, Na Royal FC, Dickalo FA, DollyP FA and Watered Plants FA competing against one another in the 2-day tourney.” Shodunnke said. 

KAA Gent scout, Harry Varley said he is happy with the prospect of discovering talented players from the tournament and process their progress to greatness. 

“I’m always happy to be in Nigeria. I just want the teams to play their best players and see how we can identify the best among these players in the 2-day tournament.” Varley said.

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.

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.

SWAN signs pact with Unilorin on capacity building for members

....... Announces 31st May as date for capacity building/training for members

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State has entered into a partnership with the Mass Communication Department of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, ahead of its capacity building for members, scheduled to hold May 31st, 2023.

The Chairman, Kwara SWAN, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail disclosed this after extensive deliberation with its consultant, Shogo Shodunnke, and the Department of Mass Communication, during the official visit of the Association's executive to the HOD''s on Thursday.

Mallam Ayodeji explained that capacity building is one of the focal points of the current leadership adding that it will go a long way in reshaping sports journalism in the state.

Ayodeji said there are vast areas of specialties in sports that can be tapped as journalists and not only reportage.

He said, "The capacity building is long overdue because it is time for some of our members to focus on sports branding, marketing, and Public Relations. 

"We will not only focus on the reporting angle of sports but also on how we can create an ecosystem for sports to thrive in Kwara State. Kwara SWAN is happy senior lecturers of this great university will be our resource person at the capacity building".

Responding, the Head of Department (HOD), Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, Dr Kehinde Kadiri applauded Kwara SWAN led by Mallam Ayodeji Ismail for the initiative of retraining its members.

Dr Kadiri said the Department of Mass Communication is ever ready to assist SWAN in the area of resources as well as ensure the training meets world standards.

She said, "SWAN is a recognized association all over the world and this visit to the department has sent the right sign. My doors are opened for the association and I want to assure you that I will personally grace the program".

Meanwhile, the consultant for the capacity building, Mr Shogo Shodunnke said the essence of retraining sports journalists cannot be overemphasised.

Shodunnke said the resource persons for the program will focus on sports branding, sports marketing as well as hidden potential in the sports industry.

The renowned sports consultant said three other resources persons within and outside the country will grace the capacity building.

Present at the meeting were senior lecturers of the department of Mass Communication as well as other executives of Kwara SWAN.

SWAN Selected camp opens in Lagos ahead of ANFASSC clash

The SWAN Selected camp will open in Lagos, with almost all the players expected on Monday afternoon.

SWAN Selected have perfected plans to open camp on Sunday (today) ahead of their next assignment.

Earlier it was reported that all necessary logistics have been put in place for a fruitful assignment and eventual victory against Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC).

“On our part we are serious, quick and ready always. We expect nothing but a handsome victory and we know the team is up to it,” SWAN Selected head coach Yemi Olanrenwaju informed the Media.

Yema on his part says he expects that training will start on Monday morning depending on the arrival schedule of most players, adding that by their roster SWAN Selected will have a healthy training before the game.

“The team will be ready, healthy and all of our players are well for the battle against ANFASSC.

Team captain Fisayo Dairo and ace midfield Partner Andrew Randa both return to the squad having missed the last game against Super Eagles Supporters Clubs (SESC) in September.

The likes of Ajegena Richard and Busayo Olowokere are also expected to arrive on Monday morning from Abuja.

Also expected in camp are Tobi Adepoju, Aleshinloye Owolabi, Victor Modo, Sammy Adesoji, Mickie Chukwuebuka, Areo Samuel, Bamisebi Samuel, Tunde Liadi, Adebayo Charles, Bayo Adegboyega and Olawale Quadry.

Others are Shogo Shodunke, Damilola Alagbe, Wole Opatola, Shina Okeleji, Apostle Pikin, Sanipe Tonte, Sawadinho Benjamin, Adams Jesse, Olatoye Olawale, Eche Amos, Ferdinand Udoh, Suleiman Pooja, Henry Chijioke, Olawale Hamzat and Emmanuel Josiah.

The game between ANFASSC and SWAN Selected will take place on Tuesday 5th October at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium. Kickoff is 1pm.

Independence Cup: Kwara Professionals set to jump tax against KWIRS

It will be Kwara Internal Revenue Service, KWIRS against the Kwara Professionals in the final 2021 final of Independence Cup slated for Friday, October 1 in Ilorin.

The football final which was to celebrate Nigeria's 61st Independence Anniversary was also put together to emphasize the importance of freedom to people.

To qualify to the final, Kwara Professionals defeated Kwara State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN by three unreliable goals while the defending champions, KWIRS got the better of the Kwara INEC by 5-3. 

Indoor Hall of Kwara State Stadium will host the final that will also see the participating teams engage one and another in the Table Tennis event. 

The Brain Behind the program, Shogo Shodunnke disclosed that the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is expected to grace the final along with other top government officials. 

KWIRS won the last edition of the Independence Cup held in 2019 by defeating Nigeria Medical Association, NMA in the final.

The Independence Cup is organized by Phreestyle Sports with the support of Kwara State Sports Commission.

SWAN, NMA, First Bank, two others to battle for freedom against Kwara Internal Revenue Service at Independent Cup

Defending champions, Kwara State Internal Revenue Services, KWIRS will have to use many tax collecting skills if they are to retain this year's Independent Cup. 

KWIRS and five other teams, including Kwara State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, First Bank Plc and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC will be participating in the football and Table Tennis events which is expected to start on Tuesday, 28th of September. 

The preliminaries stages will be decided on 30th of September while the final will be played on Independence Day which is Friday, 1st of October at the Indoor Hall of Kwara State Stadium. 

The competition aimed to celebrate Nigeria Independence and to emphasize the importance of freedom to people is

organized by Phreestyle Sport Limited and supported by Kwara State Sports Commission.

The Brain Behind Phreestyle Sport Limited, Shogo Shodunnke told sports writers in Ilorin on Sunday that Table Tennis was added to this year's edition to give more participation to others who may not make the football team and also stressed the need for team effort in achieving greatness. 

Shodunnke added that the newly established Kwara State Sports Commission under the chairmanship of Prince Bola Mogaji has provided needed support to make the event memorable just as he called on others who may want to partner with the concept. 

The press conference and the draws for the events will be conducted on Monday, 27th in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital.

KWIRS defeated their NMA counterpart to lift the maiden edition of the Independent Cup played in 2019.

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 charges Football Managers, Administrators, Players to lead by example

 CEO of Phreestyle Sport, Shogo Shodunnke, has called on football administrators, managers and players to ensure they lead by example in their tasks to make their sector admirable and recognized by all.

NPFL All Stars Win Maiden AMAPRO Football League

Kwara State based Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL All Stars have claimed the maiden Phreestyle Sport organized AMAPRO Football League trophy with a 3-1 win over the Nigeria National League, NNL Alls Stars in the final.

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" 

Phreestyle Sport Publisher, Shogo Shodunnke for FIFA Course in Sports Management

Brain behind for one of the leading sports consultancy firms in Nigeria, Phreestyle Sport, Shogo Shodunnke has been granted admission by Federation Internationale Football Association, FIFA to study sports management and strategic studies in South Africa.

#NPFLSuper4: 10 Wolves Share Spoils with Akwa United

Akwa United missed the chance to pull away from their rivals in the 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League Super Four title race as Dele Ajiboye produced a stunning display to earn Warri Wolves a goalless draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Wednesday evening.

#NPFLSuper4: Nasarawa Back on Top, as Fabiyi Punish Sorry Enyimba

Ten-man Enyimba FC succumbed 2-1 to Nasarawa United in the Nigeria Professional Football League Super Four at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Gold Cup: Phreestyle Set to Plan Players' Future

In order to strike balance between football and reality, the organizers of Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament have expressed their readiness to go beyond football this time and enlighten participating players on how to plan their present for better future.