This year’s version will be the seventh edition of the tournament with professional and amateur players expected to take part.

Competition will hold from 8th to 14th August.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the brand, Shogo Shodunnke, the tournament will see 16 teams participating.

Under the auspices of the Kwara State Football Association, AMAPRO has grown in status over the years due to large number of quality players and teams participating and the proper management of the tournament by its organisers.

Shodunnke revealed that this year’s edition which would take place in Ilorin, Kwara (as usual). The competition would look to be an improvement on the high standard to the previous editions.

“We are expecting teams from near and far, in and out of Kwara State to participate in the competition this year and we promise to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that teams get the right platform to express their talents and that fans get the opportunity of watching the future stars of the country,” Shodunnke stated.

He further confirmed that Football scouts and agents from Europe are expected to be in Kwara to watch this year’s edition.

Shodunnke, a FIFA trained Sports Manager has been widely applauded by fans and participating clubs for his tireless efforts in organising the competition which has produced young players that are currently playing their trade at the top level both home and abroad.

NPFL All Stars, Jazzy Stars, Terwoh Sports Club, Tiyu Football Academy, AMAPRO Selected, NLO All Stars, NNL All Stars, Abraysport FC, Kwara Football Academy and Dickalo Football Academy have confirmed their readiness for the competition.

The partners of the seventh edition of Amapro Football Competition are Kwara State Sports Commission, Kwara State Football Association, Kwara Football Academy, Excel All Stars, Cyteck Engineering, Afribase Nig Ltd, Afase Nig Ltd, TSTV, Dickalo Nig. Ltd and Abraysport.

Further information on the competition can be gotten from 08033408685.

Youths who are into sports have been advised to combine education with sports so that later in life they will have something to fall back on.

The Executive Chairman of Kwara State Sports Commissions, Mallam Bola Magaji gave the advice when Ex Basketball players who are in the state to organise a one- day Basketball tournament for secondary schools paid courtesy visit to his office on Tuesday.

Magaji commended the ex players for their efforts to develop the youths and coming
to give back the society.

He enjoined them not to relent in the efforts as they are helping to develop the sports in the state.

The ex players while responding implored the Commission to help inform the government to increase the subvension of Kwara Falcons Basketball team.

The final of the tournament which is being organised by the Ex players in conjunction with the Kwara state Basketball Association will come up by 4pm today.

The Kwara State Football Association on Saturday entered a memorandum of understanding with the Office of the Nigeria Pillar of Sports in the quest to create a new identity to promote grassroot football.

Malam Idris Abdullahi in his words, described Nigeria Pillar of Sports as a vital element in the Structure of the FA and assured of working with Chief Ejidike in matching the objectives of the FA, adding that his Administration is fully committed to maintain its relationship to scientifically harness talents and improve the round leather game.

Thuraya opined the FA has explored in seeking sponsors to improve the standard of facilities including remodelling the artificial turf of the state stadium to natural grass and also to establish football pitches across all senatorial districts within.

He equally commended his board members for aligning with his objectives saying it will bring a significant change as stakeholders unite all grassroots initiatives and programmes under one banner.

Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, vowed to work assiduously with the Kwara FA to help improve the fortunes of the game in the state.

Chief Ejidike, in his first familiarization visit to the secretariat of the FA, was meant to acquaint himself with the operations of the state football governing body and partner with the visionary institution while pledging his office support for the FA with a call for a stronger collaboration in a bid to develop all sectors of the game.

During the meeting, a Customized backdrop which had Malam Idris Picture with an inscripted message ” Outstanding Performance and revitalization of Football in Kwara” was presented by Chief Donatus to the FA Boss.

The delegation had in company of Alloy Chukwuemeka, Ajide Olayioye and others were met on arrival by the FA members including, Kashmi Agaka, Hajia Segilola Alaya, Captain Dayo Ayodele, Ahmed Abdullahi and other affiliated members of the FA.

••• Organisers Commends Kwara Sport Commission, Basketball Association •••

Organisers of the Milo Nestle Secondary school basketball championship has said the Energy Food Drink of Future Champions has inspired the youth of Nigeria in sport to instil life values such as hard work, responsibility, fair play, discipline, perseverance, togetherness and team work.

National Coordinator of the competition, Col. Sam Ahmedu, a board member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, stated this during the tip off of the Central Conference Playoffs of the competition on Monday 16th May, 2022 in Ilorin, adding that the competition has been an avenue for youth engagement, integration and talent discovery with special recognition to Precious Achuwa, discovered in 2014, now playing for the Toronto Raptors and represented Nigeria at the Olympic games.

The President, FIBA Africa Zone III Commended Milo for its twenty two years of active tournament and affirmed that there will be value for time at the end of the Central Conference Playoffs in Ilorin.

During a courtesy visit to the Executive chairman of the Kwara Sport Commission, Coach Bola Mogaji, Col. Sam appreciated the support by the state Sport Commission an for its association with brains and hammers that would bring dividends to Sports, noting that Kwara occupies a strong hold in Nigeria Basketball which prompt the decision to push the championship to the state of Harmony.

Coach Bola Mogaji, in his response, maintained the Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq’s led government vision is to make Kwara a melting point for sports development while commending Milo for its commitments to Youth development.

He opined that his led commission will formulate policies and programmes to make life meaningful for sports men and women, investors and call on stakeholders to join his led administration in the quest to create a lasting legacy for Sports Project in the state.

Others at the visit were Monday Nelson, Vice President, Nigeria School Sport Federation, Alhaji Shola Sheu (Director, Kwara Sports Commission), Oladayo Oke (Official Milo Nestle), Bello Azeez (Secretary, Kwara State Basketball Association), Ahmed Adebayo (Head of School Sports, Kwara Sport Commission), and Bolaji Lawal.

The Indoor Hall of the Kwara Stadium, Ilorin is venue for the central Conference of the 22nd Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship with Schools from Nasarawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, FCT, Kwara, Niger, Benue and Plateau all participating.

Match Day 1 Results:

Boys Category

Niger 22-24 Benue
Kwara 27-19 Nasarawa

Girls Category

Sokoto 14-32 Nasarawa
Kwara 10-26 FCT
Benue 26-17 Kaduna

“It’s really challenging because we’ve failed to deal with teams ahead of us though hard luck has also been a factor during this period but we are very optimistic that we will come back better”, Biffo concluded.

Both teams had filed out with purpose of intent as seen in the opening fifteen minutes of the match.

The first real chance at goal came after 20 minutes when Fatokun found Alao Danbani with a delightful pass but the striker missed a sitter. Moments later, Abia Warriors Anumudu found space down the left but his effort was saved by Iwu in goal for Kwara.

Kwara United nearly took the lead just past the half hour mark when Samuel Bamidele’s effort from a freekick clipped the right post. Just when it seemed the half was drawing to a close, Danbani found Samuel Tiza who finished past Edafe Vincent to give his side the advantage going into the break.

The opening five minutes of the restart was action filled. Afeez Nosiru earned a yellow for a reckless challenge on Valentine Odoh followed by a double substitution by the Harmony Boys with the duo of Samad Kadiri and Ayobami Junior replacing Junior Lokosa and Chisom Emmanuel respectively.

Moments later, Abia Warriors got the equaliser when Godwin Obaje’s Inviting cross from the right found Odoh whose volley could not be cleared on time leaving referee Buhari Bawa to rule that the ball had crossed the line.

It was a huge moment of relief for the General Manager of SGFC Athletics Football club Olawale Olatoye after his team recorded an emphatic 3-0 victory over Ogbomosho United at the Kwara State Complex Stadium Ilorin on Thursday evening.

Aftermath of the consecutive defeat to Gidado FC and Hammola FC, SGFC Athletics needed some sort of motivation to bounce back and offcourse they did it in a ground style with a scintillating victory over their counterpart at the Kwara State Stadium Complex Ilorin.

Goals from Etaghara Bright, Hyginus Wisdom and Charles Obani was enough as SGFC Athletics cruised on an emphatic 3-0 victory over Ogbomoso United as they record their second win of the NLO campaign in the process.

Speaking to News Men after the game the Ace Journalist cum Administrator expressed how elated he was to have earned such a remarkable victory, “I am absolutely excited I must say, a big relief coming back from a consecutive defeat”, he said.

“At some point I was a bit shaking because the goals wasn’t coming but I believed in my boys I know definitely that they can do it during the break I just told them to get out there and get the goals let them know that you have it and you can deliver.

“We would not rely on this victory but we where able to go back every game day weather we lose or win, we analyse it what are we doing right what are we doing wrong, we feel that our wrong was more than our right so we try to do everything right in this game and then we got this victory.

“We’ll definitely continue because we are SGFC ‘One For All’ ‘All For One’ we never relent and game time is always a time to be ready when we cross this hurdle then we move to the next until the end of the season”, he concluded.

La Planet Sports Academia has qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing Kwara U-17 Youth league after defeating Kwara Football Academy (KFA) 2-1 in their last group stage games.

KFA enjoyed some dominance in the game in the first half with  Abubakar Garba’s wondrous strike stamping their stability on the scoreline.

Ibrahim Alonge was the hero for La Planet when he came on as a substitute in the second half to grab a brace – pushing Coach Sheriff Jimoh’s side to the safest side of the game.

Reacting to the victory, Coach Sheriff applauded his lads for their positive attitude and mentality which earned the deserved victory.

“I am very happy and proud of my boys.They gave a good account of themselves and I am confident that we are going to win this trophy”. Said the gaffer.

La Planet will face either Abraysports FC or Aromokeye FC in the semi-final clash of the league.

NNL All Stars were crowned champions of the 6th edition of Amapro Football Championship after they defeated Abraysports 4-2 on penalties.

The full time score stood at 1-1 even as both teams tried to outwit themselves while trying to take their chances during the game.

Abraysports had the better of the match as they dominated play creating several scoring chances in the first stanza.

Obadun Abdulrasheed jumped highest in the area to nod home the opener for Ilorin based Abraysports on 30 minutes.

Ibrahim Hameed curled the ball beyond the wall and it rested at the back of the net for NNL All Stars’ leveller.

All Stars dominated play in the second half and should have won it but the Abraysports defence were solid keeping their lines.

Both teams then had to decide their fate via penalties after the referee signaled end of the game.

The end result saw the NNL All Stars winning the game 4-2 on shoot out, thus claiming the trophy of the 6th edition of the Amapro Football Championship.

NNL All Stars’ Innocent Christian was voted King of Amapro Football Championship while ABS FC goalkeeper Nasiru Toheeb was picked as Prince of the competition.

The 2021 AMAPRO Football Championship final will be decided on Sunday between surprise package AbraySports and NNL All Stars.

The Ladi Ojokojo led NNL All Star team edged Da Faria 4-3 on penalties after regulation was 1-1, while Abraysports humbled William Falla 3-1.

Samson Isiaka put the Lagos based team ahead with a cool finish in the 3rd minute of the game.

All Stars came from behind to cancel Da Faria lead as Sodiq Alamoyo slotted into the bottom corner on 25 minutes.

The second half was even for both teams as they displayed best of football artistry to the amusement of the Ilorin fans.

NNL All Stars shot stopper, Muyiwa Majolagbe turned hero of the afternoon as he stopped two spot kicks from Da Faria as his team scored four of their spot kicks.

Coach of NNL All Stars Ladi Ojokojo was full of praise to his boys who whethered the storm against the dangerous Da Faria side.

“We knew how talented the opposition were. Our plan was to score first and try to consolidate. But it was the other way round,” he explained.

“The fighting spirit showed by my boys really made me proud. We can’t afford to celebrate for now because a bigger task awaits us.

In the other semi-final game, William Falla got the first goal with a fine finish from Ramon Azeez.

A rejuvenated NNL All Stars showed class as they scored an equalizer in the 20th minute as Victor Atteh curled home a sweet free kick.

Obadun Abdulrasheed powered home a delicious header at the near post as Abraysports went in front.

Obalowu Nofiu made the game safe for the Ilorin based side with the third goal at the dying embers.

Head coach of Abraysports Bolade Ezekiel admitted that his wards relied on counter attacks to defeat William Falla and promised to upset NNL All Stars in the final.

“It was more of a tactical game but we dealt with the pressure from William Falla. We relied on counter attacks to punish them,” Kolade enthused.

“The game against NNL All Stars will be technical because they are more matured. With our tactical gift we will be victorious.

The final will be held on Sunday at the main bowl of the Kwara Stadium Complex, Ilorin. Kickoff is 4pm.

Fresh, Ahlan, Gusau, Alkali storm Ilorin for Amapro Football Championship final

NFF top shots grace Amapro Football Championship final

Ahlan, Fresh, Gusau, Alkali set to add colour to Amapro Football Championship grand finale

The prestigious Amapro Football Championship final is set as expected as arrangements have been concluded ahead of what would be a glamorous event.

Amapro Football Championship final will be decided on Sunday 29th August at the Kwara Stadium Complex, with NNL All Stars facing Abraysports. Kickoff is at 4pm Nigerian time.

Distinguished football administrators, coaches, club owners and top media personnel will grace the finals among who are NFF Technical Committee Chairman Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, NFF Chairman of Chairmen Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF Referee Committee Chairman Inuwa Shariff Ahlan and NLO Chairman Mohammed Alkali.

Others are Kwara State Sports Commission Chairman Bola Mogaji, Former Kwara United Chairman Thompson Oladimeji aka Henry George and Director of Football ABS FC High Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka.

Organizers of #Amapro21 have offered assurances of a memorable experience to the finalists, fans and top football administrators that will be in the Kwara capital for the finals of the sixth edition of the competition.

Partners of the 2021 Amapro Football Championship are Kwara State Government, Kwara State Sports Commission, Kwara State Football Association, Phreestyle Sports, Sports Pro, Kwara State Referee Counsil, Sports Lens, Onward News 24, Sports Retina, FutbalgaloreMedia, Waniko Table Water, Diamond Sports Management, TSTV, Scout4Star, Cyteck Engineering, Afribased Projects Limited, Konami Prints, Harlex Graphix Design, Twinstech Universal Builder and H4 Foundation.

Proprietor of Hammola football club Muideen Odeyemi has commended organisers of Amapro football championship in what he described as a fantastic initiative.

Hammola FC suffered a 2-1 defeat to Abraysports in their opening match of the 6th edition of Amapro football championship which kicked off on Monday 23rd of August before playing out a goalless draw with ABS FC of Ilorin in their second game on Tuesday morning at the Kwara State Complex Stadium.

Speaking to news men just after their draw with ABS FC, the club owner said, “This is a well organized championship. Assembling talents across the country to showcase themselves is a good initiative,” he enthused.

“I commend the organizers on the work put in place to see that we enjoy fair officiating in the championship.

Despite recording just one point from two games, he however expressed confidence in his side’s ability as he believe they have what it takes to qualify on day 3.

“Football is a game of opportunities, I am satisfied with what my team played yesterday and today, one point from two games is not bad, we still have the chance to qualify,” he added.

The young administrator also revealed that his love for sports and football inspired him into starting up the team to take talents off the streets for a better future.