AMAPRO 2024: NNL, NPFL All Stars to clash in semifinal battle for supremacy

By Wale Mustapha

Defending champions of the AMAPRO Football Championship, Abrayasports, have qualified for the semifinals of this year’s edition after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Unicorn FC on Friday.

Mustapha Ogungbenro emerged as the hero, saving one of the penalties to secure a 5-4 win for his team at the Kwara Football Academy (KFA) Pitch, ended goalless in regulation time.

In another quarterfinal match on Friday, Dickalo FA defeated KFA in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regular time. Dickalo took an early lead in the fifth minute with Oke Samson Ayo heading home from a free kick.

KFA equalized in the 30th minute when Uthman Tajudeen capitalized on a defensive mix-up. The game proceeded to penalties, where Ozovehe Adeiza’s remarkable goalkeeping, saving three penalties, ensured Dickalo’s 3-2 victory and a place in the semifinals.

NNL All Stars secured a hard-fought 2-1 win against Gateway FA. Ahmed Hameed opened the scoring for NNL All Stars from the penalty spot, with Wadulu Ofini equalizing, also from the spot. Toyin Malu then dribbled through Gateway FA’s defense to score the winner, beating goalkeeper Fapounde Tunde.

The final quarterfinal saw NPFL All Stars narrowly defeat Da Faria with a 1-0 victory. Waheed Adebayo scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute, finishing off a cross from Hammed Yaqub.

The semifinal matchups are set: Abrayasports will face Dickalo FA at 2pm on Saturday, followed by a clash between NNL All Stars and NPFL All Stars at 4pm. The championship final is scheduled for Sunday at 3pm at the KFA pitch.

This year’s AMAPRO Football Championship is proudly sponsored by Bet9ja Foundation in collaboration with Hudl Wyscout, 4th Brother Clothing, Darajeph Technologies, and Stefolga Group.