2024/2025 NNL season: ABS FC of Ilorin unveils new coach

Posted : 11 March 2025

Abubakar Bukola Saraki Ilorin Football Club has re-appointed Cameroonian-born Encho Anthony Encho as the new head coach for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

Encho replaces Coach Sani Sarduana, who was asked to step aside after an unimpressive run in the first round of the league.

Coach Anthony Encho has promised to guide the team to secure a playoff spot for NPFL promotion by the end of the season.

"I was in ABS before, I did 50%, and now I am back to complete the remaining 50% to make it 100%. My first mission is to take the team to the Super Eight and promote the team to the NPFL.

"Every coach has their own philosophy. I believe in myself and my players, and in what I instill in them. Let me remind you that there was a team in Lagos that was struggling in the NPFL before, but now they are at the top. So, I don't want my players to be distracted or discouraged by their current position. I want them to have a positive mindset that they are going to the Super Eight, and by the special grace of God, we will achieve it," Encho said.

The Cameroonian coach was previously the Technical Adviser of NNL side Crown FC Ogbomosho. He has also worked with NNL clubs Solution FC and Ijebu United FC, while also handling foreign-based clubs such as Samui United Academy in Thailand and Tiger Soccer Academy in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Coach Anthony Encho will work alongside Coach Saliu Aremu, Coach Salaudeen Adeyinka (Keshi), and Coach Boyin Ayodele (goalkeeper coach).

Director of football, Chief Alloy Chuwuemeka, representing the Chairman of ABS FC, Mr. Seni Saraki, also appointed Ikechukwu Igiri, the son of the late former welfare officer of the club, Joseph Igiri, as his personal assistant on special duties.

He stated that the appointment was in fulfillment of the promise made to take care of the late officer's wife and family.

Chief Alloy Chuwuemeka applauded the club proprietor, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, for his continuous support over the years. He also praised the club chairman, Seni Saraki, describing him as a passionate football administrator and the youngest professional football administrator in history across the globe. Additionally, he commended the Kwara Football Association Chairman, Mallam Musa Idris Abdullahi, for his efforts toward football development in the state and his unwavering support for the club.

Kwara Football Association Chairman, Mallam Idris Musa Abdullahi, affirmed that ABS FC remains the best in terms of professionalism, talent development, and growth, stressing that he is proud to be a product of ABS FC.

ABS Ilorin FC is currently placed seventh in Conference B of the Nigeria National League (NNL) and will kick off the second stanza of the ongoing 2024/2025 season with an away game against Gateway FC of Abeokuta on March 21, 2025.

2024/2025 NNL season: ABS FC of Ilorin unveils new coach

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