The 2025 edition of the prestigious AMAPRO Football Championship has reached its thrilling climax, with Gateway Football Academy, House of Prayer FC, Laycon Football Academy, and Discovery Talents Academy clinching semifinal spots after a dramatic day of quarterfinal action on Friday, July 11th at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbow, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, Kwara State.
In a stunning twist, defending champions Abraysports FC and tournament giants Kwara Football Academy (KFA) were both sent packing, making way for new contenders to rise.
Gateway FA pulled off one of the tournament’s most dramatic upsets, knocking out two time champions and favourites Abraysports FC in a gripping penalty shootout.
Abraysports took the lead in the 33rd minute through Hassan Ibitoye’s composed spot kick, but Gateway’s Sunkanmi Ogunsusi leveled the score ten minutes later. With the game ending 1-1 in regulation time, Gateway held their nerve to triumph 5-4 on penalties ending Abraysports’ dream of a third consecutive title.
House of Prayer FC delivered a statement performance, overpowering Gaa Akanbi FA 4-2 in a six-goal thriller.
Adama Isiah broke the deadlock in the 40th minute, only for Alabi Remilekun to respond swiftly for Gaa Akanbi. Abdulafeez Ibraheem gave Gaa Akanbi a brief second-half lead, but Isiah’s second goal brought HOP level before Obeng Joshua stole the show with two late strikes (69’ and 87’) to seal an emphatic win.
In a tightly contested battle, Laycon Football Academy secured a hard fought 1-0 win over the highly rated Kwara Football Academy.
Adelowo Pelumi’s decisive first-half header proved to be the difference, sending Laycon FA into their first ever AMAPRO semifinal a landmark achievement for the emerging side.
Tournament debutants Discovery Talents Academy continued their fairy tale run, coming from behind to dispatch HMK FC 3-1.
HMK’s Ibrahim Abiodun opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, but Discovery responded with calm assurance. Abdulrazak Mohammed converted a penalty before halftime to restore parity, before second-half goals from Sulaiman Mohammed and Hussaimi Hussanini sealed a well-deserved victory.
AMAPRO 2025 – Semifinal Fixtures (Saturday, July 12)
Venue: George Innih Stadium, Ilorin
Gateway FA vs House of Prayer FC – 9:00 AM
Discovery Talents vs Laycon FA – 11:00 AM
Grand Finale:
Date: Sunday, July 13
Kickoff Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: George Innih Stadium, Ilorin
As the championship reaches its final stages, the stage is set for a weekend of top-tier grassroots football drama. Will a new champion emerge, or will experience carry the day? Fans across Nigeria will be watching closely.
