Defending Champions HOPFA Begin Title Defence as 11th AMAPRO Championship Opens Monday

Posted : 04 July 2026

The countdown to the 11th edition of the AMAPRO Football Championship has begun, with defending champions House of Prayers Football Academy (HOPFA) ready to kick off their title defence when the competition gets underway on Monday, July 6, in Ilorin.

Organisers on Friday unveiled the draws and opening-day fixtures for the annual grassroots football tournament, which will be staged at the Kwara State Stadium Complex.

Matches will be played simultaneously at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl and the Kwara Football Academy (KFA) Pitch, with fixtures scheduled daily at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.

HOPFA, who claimed the title last year, headline Group A alongside NA Royal FC, Dickalo FC, and tournament debutants Cornerstone FC. The champions will open their campaign against Cornerstone FC at 8:00 a.m. at the Main Bowl, while Dickalo FC face NA Royal FC at the KFA Pitch.

Group B features former champions NPFL Allstars, Wabkem FC, Laycon FA, and Araba Football Club. The NPFL Allstars begin their campaign against Laycon FA in one of the day's marquee fixtures at 4:00 p.m.

Two-time champions Abraysport FC will compete in Group C with Gaa Akanbi FC, Ka'ah FC, and Easy Nter GFC. Abraysport FC face Ka'ah FC in their opening match, while Gaa Akanbi FC take on Easy Nter GFC.

Last year's runners-up, Discovery Football Academy of Kebbi State, will be eager to go one step further after narrowly missing out on the title in the previous edition. They begin their quest for redemption against Blinz FC in the opening Group D fixture, while DollyP FC battle HMK FC.

With former champions, title contenders, and emerging talents all set to compete, the 2026 AMAPRO Football Championship promises another exciting showcase of grassroots football in Ilorin.

Opening Day Fixtures

HOPFA vs Cornerstone FC – 8:00 a.m. (Main Bowl)

Dickalo FC vs NA Royal FC – 8:00 a.m. (KFA Pitch)

Abraysport FC vs Ka'ah FC – 10:00 a.m. (Main Bowl)

Gaa Akanbi FC vs Easy Nter GFC – 10:00 a.m. (KFA Pitch)

Blinz FC vs Discovery Football Academy – 2:00 p.m. (Main Bowl)

DollyP FC vs HMK FC – 2:00 p.m. (KFA Pitch)

NPFL Allstars vs Laycon FA – 4:00 p.m. (Main Bowl)

Wabkem FC vs Araba FC – 4:00 p.m. (KFA Pitch)

The tournament is expected to provide another platform for young footballers to showcase their abilities, with clubs from across the country competing for the coveted AMAPRO Championship title in what promises to be an entertaining week of grassroots football.

Defending Champions HOPFA Begin Title Defence as 11th AMAPRO Championship Opens Monday

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