Shogo Shodunnke, BrainBehind of a leading sports consultancy firm in Nigeria, Phreestyle Sport is among few invited experts to attend the FIFA Masters Alumni conference billed for Doha, Qatar.

The conference which is the 11th edition is expected to commence tomorrow and last till Saturday with series of events lined up.

Shodunnke who is one of the few Africans invited for the conference will be joining other alumni members of FIFA University, CIES to rub minds and explore new ideas especially from the FIFA World Cup hosts, Qatar who have set a new bar regarding organization, marketings and sponsorship with the mundial.

This year’s conference theme is Delivering Amazing. Insights and discussions about amazing accomplishments and evolutions at the FIFA world cup Qatar 2022 and for the wider world of sports.

The Phreestyle Sport boss disclosed that Wednesday sessions will focus on how to shape the minds of the new generation of sports leaders, a look into commercial partnerships in sport in 2022 and beyond and a session to talk about the growth of women’s football in general, with part of it dedicated to the next FWWC in Australia and New Zealand.

“We will also have a chance to hear from the CEO and COO of Qatar 2022 World Cup on how they have been able to deliver an amazing showpiece, how to sustain the success and its impact on the country.

“It’s going to be an interesting conference, one that will also help us to bring more positive ideas that can assists us in developing our sports back home,” he said.

Thursday will see the FIFA Master Alumni members having an interactive session with Marketing Consultant to the Qatar 2022 World Cup while the closing day (Saturday) will feature presentation of certificates and a novelty match among the participants of the conference.

Shogo Shodunnke is the brainbehind AMAPRO Football Championship, Team Lead – AMAPRO Sporting Academy, President – H4 Foundation (Hope the Hopeless & Help the Helpless Through Sports) and member, Kwara State Football Association Safety, Protocol and Logistics Committee.

The match started with NPFL All Stars taking the lead early in the 13th minute through a wonderful Wasiu Alalade effort.

However, the NNL All Stars team found their rhythm that they had throughout the tournament. They dominated the proceedings after that and in the 53rd minute, Owolabi Aremu found the back of the net via a fantastic header.

At the shoot-out, NPFL All Stars won the toss and chose to shoot first. Ebenezer Odeyemi and Bello Sufian both converted their respective penalties. Lukman Karatu then had his penalty saved by Detan Ogundare and Deji Bamidele put NPFL All Stars ahead 2-1.

Muri Dagbo, Hamed Yakub and Al-Ameen Al-Ameen all missed to give NNL All Stars a deserved victory.

NNL All Stars have been arguably the team of the tournament, topping their group with six points.

They carried on their stellar form into the knockout stages beating Abraysports 1-0 in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, they met the free-scoring KFA but overcame them on 1-0

An evening to forget for the NPFL All Stars as they just could not do enough to get past their defense after the 13th-minute goal by Alalade. They had done so well, having entertained but just couldn’t come up with enough to get their hands on the trophy.

One of the leading construction and engineering companies in Nigeria, Dickalo Nigeria Limited has joined Phreestyle Sports to have a memorable 2022 AMAPRO Football Championship.

The partnership is another milestone achievements of this year’s championship after series of pacts signed with other agencies including CONE Sports, among others.

BrainBehind Phreestyle Sports and AMAPRO Championship coordinator, Shogo Shodunnke disclosed in Ilorin on Sunday that the partnership with Dickalo is historic as it will help boost the mileage of the championship.

“We are pleased to seal this wonderful partnership with Dickalo Nigeria Limited and its a privilege for Phreestyle sport to be identify with such a notable organization to organize this year’s AMAPRO.

“Its also a further testament about the integrity of the championship and what we aim to achieve which is bridging gaps between the professional and amateur football as well as giving hope to the hopeless”.

CEO of Dickalo Nigeria Limited, Architect Olubunmi Dickson Komolafe said it is the desire of the company to be known with any programs that is aimed to renew believe and giving assurance to those with prospect that they can achieve greatness with believe.

The 2022 AMAPRO Football Championship will kickoff in Ilorin on Monday 8th of July and end on 14th of the same month.

NNL All Stars are the defending champions after beating Abraysport on penalties in last year’s final.

Cletus Okojie, the CEO of Cone Sports disclosed to the Media shortly after both parties signed the dotted lines that he’s delighted to partner with Amapro Football Championship.

“Amapro Football Championship has set high standards, so we’re delighted to sign this partnership agreement,” he said.

“The relationship between Cone and Amapro Football Championship is partnership between the two parties, so as to create a sustainable development for football in Nigeria.

He continued; “As a brand it is great for us to associate with Amapro Football Championship as regards the positive mileage we stand to get during the football fiesta.

“Cone Sports is a staunch promoter of made in Nigeria products that is why we take it as a responsibility upon us to make our products with the best of raw materials available, because we believe our products go beyond the coffers of this nation and when people of other countries see our products they see it as a Nigerian product not only a Cone Sports jersey,” Cletus concluded.

Cone Sports is a Nigerian sportswear company, its head office and factory are located in Kano State. The company has been producing since year 2000 which makes it the oldest and biggest sportswear brand in the country with over 40 football clubs wearing its products nationwide.

Cone Sports will kit finalists and tournament organizers at the seventh edition of Amapro Football Championship.

Shogo Shodunnke, the Amapro Football Championship General Coordinator stated; “We’re delighted to have Cone Sports as our partner.

“It goes to show how important our competition is to kit brands.”

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 in Ilorin, Kwara State.

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.

Amapro Football Championship is proudly supported by D&A Talent DSRL, D-Garden United FC, 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.

In the draws and fixtures announced on Saturday in Ilorin, 16 participating teams have been paired into four groups with four teams each.

Group A have the defending champions NNL All Stars with Jazzy Stars from Jos, HMK FC from Osogbo and AMAPRO Selected Sporting Academy.

Pro Leaguers, Terworh Sports Club, Kwara Football Academy and Abraysport FC made up of teams in Group B.

Group C have ABS FC, Dickalo FA, Success Tiyu FA and DA Faria FC while Group comprises of NPFL All Stars, Gateway FC, Barrier Sport Club and Laycon FA.

The opening day fixtures will see Abraysport FC taking on Kwara Football Academy by 8am at the KFA Pitch A while ABS FC will engage Dickalo FA at the Pitch B at the same time.

Match billed for 10am of the opening day will see the Pro Leaguers taking on Terworh SC at Pitch A as Da Faria FC from Lagos faces Success Tiyu Academy at the Pitch B.

AMAPRO SSA against HMK FC (Pitch A) and Barrier SC against Gateway FA at Pitch B of the KFA are the matches fixed for 2pm on Monday.

Jazzy Stars’ encounter with NNL All Stars will be taking place at Pitch B by 4pm as the match between NPFL All Stars and Laycon FA at the Pitch A will be used for the Opening Ceremony.

Subsequent matches in group stage will also take place on Tuesday and Wednesday at the same venues while the final will be decided on Sunday 14th of August at the Main Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.

BrainBehind the competition, Shogo Shodunnke told newsmen in Ilorin that new grounds will be broken in this year’s edition as scouts from Europe, UK and around the world will be presents to pick exceptional talents.

Shodunnke stressed that other innovations like live streaming, players’ stats, games’ stats among others will be introduced.

He added that the championship is still open for more partnerships to make it more colorful and memorable.

NNL Allstars defeated Abraysport FC by penalties in last year’s final.

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.

The programme tagged “Soccer Pathways” is scheduled to start on Friday, 5th and end on June 7th in Oko-Omuaran, Kwara State.

According to the organisers, the scouting tournament will have some of the best in Nigeria in attendance.

Marcellinus Chukwunyere Anyanwu, a UEFA Licensed coach will be on ground to see the players display their talents.

The Head Scout and Chief Supervisor of Gulf United, Dubai will select the best players at the competition.

While speaking with Journalists on the essence of the programme, TAICO SA Consultant, Shogo Shodunnke, said the reason for the programme is to discover talents in grassroot and create needed pathways for them to play abroad.

He said: “The zeal is to discover talent and develop them. So what brought the idea is that these players we discovered and developed, we need to market them within and outside Nigeria.

“That’s the reason we decided to partner with Gulf United.”

Shodunnke continued: “Thomas Adewumi International College Sports Academy U17, Thomas Adewumi International College Sports Academy U19, ABS FC, Gidado FC, AMAPRO Selected Sporting Academy and Jazzy Stars FA will feature at the tournament.”

He also assured of positive results at the end of the exercise.

“We are expecting a good, successful scouting programme at the end of the programme. The players scouted for will be taken to different clubs abroad.”

Meanwhile, Mr Shodunnke suggested constant football tournaments at the grassroot and development and proper maintenance of infrastructural facilities is the solution to the problems facing grassroot sport development.

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.

The annual competition, which is created to integrate professionals with amateur players and also to discover talents started on an entertaining note with 9 goals scored on the first day.

The first game of the day saw Mokwa FA claim a 2-1 win over a strong-willed Olanshile Football Academy.

Yunusa Isah opened the scoring in the 11th minute from a well taken spot kick, before Olansile responded quickly with a fine goal from Fakunle Abayomi in the 19th minute.

Liman Musa put Mokwa FA back in front in the 32nd minute. The Niger boys closed shop and sealed three points.

Meanwhile, in the second game of the day, Abraysport FC cruised to a 2-1 victory over Hammola Int’l FC courtesy of a brace from Omolaoye Abiodun.

In the last game of the day, Amapro Selected gave a good account of themselves losing 2-1 to NPFL All Stars.

Shola Abdulraheem scored the opener for NPFL All Stars with a fine strike inside the area in the 23rd minute before Yakub Hammed extended the lead with a screamer in the 29th minute.

Minutes into the second half, Abdulrahman Bashir missed the chance of putting the game beyond Amapro Selected as he hit the crossbar from the penalty spot.

Amapro Selected got back in the game after Oyelade Michael scored from the spot in the 70th minute. However, despite the fight from Amapro Selected, NPFL All-Stars still saw out the win in style.

Games continue on Tuesday with scouts ready to select the talented players.

Day One Results:

Mokwa FA 2-1 Olansile FA
Hammola Int’l FC 1-2 Abraysport FC
NPFL All-stars 2-1 Amapro Selected