*Gaa Akanbi FC clinches first AMAPRO championship title
The Brain behind AMAPRO Football Tournament, Mr. Shogo Shodunnke, has unveiled plans to expand the annual grassroots football competition into an international championship following expressions of interest from football academies from Togo, The Gambia, Benin Republic and other countries.
Speaking during the grand finale of this year’s tournament in Ilorin today, July 12, 2026, Shodunnke said the proposed expansion would require sponsorship and strategic partnerships from stakeholders to become a reality.
According to him, the long-term vision of AMAPRO was to produce at least five players for Nigeria’s national teams, stressing that Kwara State deserves greater representation at the national level.
“We have received interests from international academies that want to be part of AMAPRO. We need sponsorship and support to make this vision a reality. Ilorin is a football hub, and we must grow beyond having only two players from the national team. We can only achieve this through partnership and collaboration,” he said.
Shodunnke added that although the tournament has continued to attract support from outside Kwara State, greater backing from individuals, corporate organisations and other stakeholders within and outside the state would go a long way in sustaining and expanding the championship.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Stefolga Group and FlowFM Radio Station, Ilorin, Engr. Femi Sanni Araba, described the AMAPRO Football tournament as a championship that has continued to improve with every edition.
Speaking as a Special Guest at the final between Gaa Akanbi FC and Dickalo FC, Araba noted that football development is capital-intensive and cannot be funded by the government alone.
He therefore, called for increased private sector participation and broader stakeholder collaboration to accelerate the development of the game.
“AMAPRO is getting better every year. I only urge the organisers to sustain the momentum,” he said.
Speaking on his decision to partner with the Kwara State Football Association for the State Federation Cup, Araba said his support was driven by his passion for football development.
He urged the leadership of the Kwara FA to continue improving the organisation of the competition and elevate it to world-class standards.
Meanwhile, Gaa Akanbi FC have been crowned champions of the 2026 Amapro Football Championship after defeating Dickalo FA 4-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time.
The championship final lived up to expectations, producing end-to-end action, four goals, and an electrifying atmosphere that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final kick.
Both teams came to the final with main focus of making history by winning the coveted trophy for the first time.
It was Dickalo FA that showed more intention to make it happen as they broke the deadlock with six minutes after the half hour mark when Ibrahim Garuba calmly slotted home to give his side a deserved 1-0 lead heading into the halftime break.
Gaa Akanbi responded almost immediately after the restart as Mohammed Sa’ad restored parity with a composed finish, bringing the score to 1-1 and setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Dickalo FA regained the lead in the 56th minute through Abbas Yakub, whose clinical finish made it 2-1.
However, Gaa Akanbi once again showed their resilience, with Abdulfatai Toheeb drawing his side level just two minutes later to make it 2-2.
Despite several chances at both ends, neither side could find the cutting edge to win the game in regulation time, sending the contest into a dramatic penalties.
Gaa Akanbi held their nerve from the spot to claim a 4-3 victory with Abdulfatai Toheeb converting the decisive penalty, sparking wild celebrations among the players, officials, and supporters, while Dickalo FA were left heartbroken.
Mohammed Sa’ad of Gaa Akanbi FC was recognised for his outstanding performances throughout the tournament, earning the prestigious King of AMAPRO award.
The grand finale attracted several distinguished guests.
The 2026 AMAPRO Football Championship ended in spectacular fashion, with Gaa Akanbi FC making history by lifting their first title after a memorable final that showcased the excitement, quality, and competitive spirit of grassroots football.
