Abraysports FC have retained AMAPRO Football Championship beating Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL All Stars 6-5 on penalties.
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The Nigeria Nationwide League One, NLO side who failed to win a single match in the championship had to rely on heroic goalkeeping of Jamiu Ibrahim to defend the title they won last year at the same Kwara Football Academy, KFA Pitch in Ilorin.
An own goal from Hammed Yaqub gave Abraysports an early lead of a pulsating final.
Olatunji Sunbomi went close to double the lead for the champions in the 17th minutes but had his effort went inches off target.
It was all about Abraysports in the first half who could have score more.
The second half saw a new look and ambitious NPFL All Stars as they tweaked their team and formation that handed them control of the game.
The trio of Wasiu Alalade, Godwin Oshagbemi and Waheed Adebayo went close to find the equalizer for the NPFL side but were denied by heroic goalkeeping of Akinniyi Toheeb and bit of ill luck.
They would soon restore parity in the 65th minutes through Issa Gata’s sublime half volley.
Both teams created lots of scoring moments till the closing stages but couldn’t make it count.
Abraysports introduced Ibrahim Karim for the shootouts and the young goalkeeper justified the coach’s believe in him as he stopped two of the spot kicks to help Abraysports defend the title they won last year.
NPFL All Stars’ Oshagbemi won the King of AMAPRO while KFA’s Uthman Tajudeen won Prince of AMAPRO award.
BrainBehind AMAPRO, Shogo Shodunnke who appreciated the sponsor and partners for the success of the championship noted that the tournament has been to achieve its desired aim of bridging the gap between Amateur players and professional footballers.
Shodunnke said the tournament will continue to grow in leaps and bounds with more support from relevant Stakeholders who shared the same dream with the project like Bet9ja Foundation and others partners.
The Governor of Kwara State who was represented by Executive Chairman of Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji said AMAPRO Football Championship has assisted the state government in encouraging the youths in the state by giving hope through football.
The 2024 AMAPRO Football Championship was proudly sponsored by Bet9ja Foundation and collaborations with Hudl Wyscout, 4th Brother Clothing, Darajeph Technologies, Stefolga Group.
