2024 AMAPRO Soccer Championship kicks off in style in Ilorin

By Wale Mustapha

The opening day of the 2024 AMAPRO Soccer Championship began with thrilling matches at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin on Monday.

Defending champions Abraysports were held to a draw, while 10-men NPFL All Stars secured a hard-fought victory over HMK FC in a keenly contested match.

The eventful day started with a match between Abraysports and debutant WonderXchange. Abraysports, the defending champions, ended up in a pulsating 1-1 draw.

An own goal by WonderXchange’s Samson Adegbite gave Abraysports an early lead, but Sunkanmi Adeyeye equalized just before the break.

Gateway FA launched their campaign with a resounding 2-1 victory over Laycon FA.

Wadulu Ofini opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a skillful lob over the goalkeeper, and Adekogba Sinnaayo extended Gateway’s lead in the 61st minute. Laycon FA’s Abdulwahab reduced the deficit in the 77th minute.

In a tense second game, 10-man Ibadan City SC managed a goalless draw with Da Faria FC. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Ibadan City SC showed resilience and determination to secure a point.

The match between Unicorn FC and Dickalo FA was a thrilling encounter featuring exhilarating football artistry. Abdullahi Umar put Dickalo FA ahead in the second minute, but Unicorn FC’s Issa Jamiu equalized three minutes later.

Victor Peter restored Dickalo FA’s lead, which was again leveled by Ifedapo Falana. Yakubu Abbas secured a 3-2 victory for Dickalo FA with a sublime finish.

Terworh SC and KFA played to a stalemate, as both teams failed to capitalize on their chances in a cagey encounter.

The game between NNL All Stars and House of Prayers was decided by a 79th-minute strike from Aremu Taofeeq, giving the NNL All Stars a hard-earned victory.

AMAPRO SSA edged out Kasam FA with a lone goal from Tunde Aluko’s fantastic strike, earning the former the maximum points.

Rounding up the day’s action, NPFL All Stars triumphed 2-1 over HMK FC despite playing with ten men due to a red card for Ahmed Jimoh. Taye Muritala and Waheed Adebayo scored for NPFL All Stars, while Bashir Abiodun netted a late consolation for HMK FC.

Matchday One Results:

• Abraysports 1-1 WonderXChange
• Gateway FA 2-1 Laycon FA
• House of Prayer 0-1 NNL All Stars
• Da Faria 0-0 Ibadan City SC
• Amapro SSA 1-0 Kasam FA
• Unicorn FC 2-3 Dickalo FA
• NPFL All Stars 2-1 HMK FC
• Terworh SC 0-0 KFA

Matchday Two Fixtures (Tuesday):

• Unicorn FC vs. Kasam FA – 8am (Pitch A)
• Laycon FA vs. HMK FC – 8am (Pitch B)
• WonderXchange vs. Terworh SC – 10am (Pitch A)
• KFA vs. Abraysports – 10am (Pitch B)
• NNL All Stars vs. Da Faria SC – 2pm (Pitch A)
• Ibadan City SC vs. House of Prayer – 2pm (Pitch B)
• Gateway FC vs. NPFL All Stars – 4pm (Pitch A)
• Dickalo FA vs. AMAPRO SSA – 4pm (Pitch B)

The 2024 AMAPRO Soccer Championship promises more excitement and competitive action as teams vie for glory in the coming days.