40 club storm Ilorin for ABS FC/PTDP Nationwide Scouting Program

 

The ABS FC Player Talent Development Program (PTDP) Nationwide talent hunt North Central zone have generated immense interest, with over 40 clubs registering for the event.

The programme has been scheduled to take place from August 9-11, 2024, at the Kwara Football Academy (KFA) pitch, the program promises to be a thrilling showcase of young football talents within the region.

The ABS FC/PTDP Nationwide Scouting Program aims to discover and develop talented young footballers across the country, providing them with opportunities to join ABS Ilorin FC and pursue professional football careers.

"We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from clubs across the North Central region," said Ahmed Abdullah, Program Coordinator. 

"This is a fantastic opportunity for young footballers to showcase their skills and take their careers to the next level." He added.

The event is open to players aged 18-21, and registration and participation are free. With over 40 clubs already registered, the competition is expected to be fierce.

New ABS FC Coordinator assures to sustain club's structure with winning mentality, robust talent hunt

 

Newly appointed Coordinator of ABS FC Ilorin Malam Jimoh Bashir has assured that the structure of ABS FC which has produced a lot of Football talents across the country and beyond would be sustained with a renewed vigor of winning mentality to produce more talents. 

He spoke today at his inaugural meeting with the Management and officials of the club in Ilorin. 

Malam Bashir said his return to ABS FC was to re-enact his performance when he was the team Coordinator of the ABS FC U-15 that won the first NPFL/Laliga promises championship in Nigeria. 

He reiterated his determination to sustain the structure which had given hundreds of young talented players and coaches the opportunity to excel in their soccer careers. 

He charged the club officials to rise up against any challenge to keep the structure going for youths development and growth in Football. 

As part of his new program he has confirmed the activation of both the club's U-15, U-18 and the senior teams to participate in different cadres of the Nigeria league with assurance that competent coaches would be appointed soonest to take charge of the teams.

The Coordinator said the ABS FC/PTDT players Talent Development Program will start soonest in the six geopolitical zones with approved centers in Kaduna, Bauchi, Ilorin, Ado Ekiti, Owerri and calabar and charged the programme consultant to expedite actions with the zonal Coordinators for immediate commencement of the program. 

He thanked the proprietor of the club Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Chairman of the club Mr Seni Saraki, Management and fans of the club for opportunity to serve in the club 

Present at the meeting were the club's Director of Football Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, Administrative Secretary Mrs Fumilayo Owolabi, newly appointed Media Officer Mr Tosh Michael, Vice Chairman of kwara SWAN Malam Toyin Saheed, chairman of ABS FC Supporters club and other club officials.

Moukthar pledges FCT FA support for Unity Preseason Tournament

The Chairman of FCT Football Association Abba Mourtar Mohammed has given his approval to the hosting of the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November 2021.

Revealing this in Abuja, the Organizing Committee Chairman, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) said the Chairman was so excited of the program, and has agreed to donate the main trophy and medals of the tournament. He further confirmed that the Chairman has promised to make the presentation of the trophy soon.

According to him "the Chairman welcomed the idea, and said that the tournament will not only give all the participating teams the opportunity to assess their new acquisitions, but it will also provide an opportunity to the teams within the zone to interact and exchange positive ideas that will help them in the new season. He commended the initiators of the tournament and promised to be there for them all through ".

The Unity Preseason Cup is expected to be played among all the NPFL clubs in the North Central zone and the NNL clubs.

Teams expected at the tournament are Kwara United, Plateau United, Lobi Stars, Niger Tornadoes, Nasarawa United, Oyah FC, NAF FC, FRSC FC, EFCC FC, ABS FC and Kogi United.

Mr Ngwaogu further said that the clubs have started confirming their interest to participate in the tournament which will be the first in the zone.

NPFL22: Ayeleso pens emotional goodbye message to Pillars as he completes move to Plateau United

In the moments of a serious exodus of players at the former champions of Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, Kano Pillars ahead of the new season, one of the club's important players, Suraj Ayeleso has also joined the train as he complete a two year deal with Plateau United. 

Ayeleso, the former ABS FC and Kwara United goalkeeper spent two seasons with the Pyramid Boys when he joined them from Nasarawa United in 2019. 

Ayeleso won 2019 Aiteo Cup trophy with the 'Sai Masu Gida' side when his heroics between the sticks during the shootouts helped Pillars to beat Niger Tornadoes in the final.

He who took to his social media page (Facebook) on Thursday to announce his departure thanked the management and fans of Kano Pillars for the love, support and opportunity to be part of the club history. 

He confirmed that Pillars will forever remain in his heart as he's hoping to make another history with the Tin City side.

"Dear Kano Pillars fans,

Today I say goodbye to a magnificent club as it is Kano Pillars. I want to thank the club for helping me become a better footballer and for making me feel at home during my time here.

"About two years ago Kano Pillars, a club that will remain in my heart, gave me the amazing opportunity to play for one of the most respected football club in Nigeria and Africa at large. And for me winning the Aiteo Cup and playing on the continent in two years is a dream come through for me.

"After this year I can only say thank you to the club, the management and to the fans that have supported me since the first day I wore the Sai Maisugida jersey and of course thank you and good luck to my team-mates, who helped me settle in since day one not only as a teammates but as friends.

"Today I say goodbye to Kano Pillars but I take with me many memories, lessons and great moments that will live with me forever. It has been one of the best years of my football career.

"At last I want to wish Kano Pillars many success for the future and thank the club for giving me the opportunity to play for this great club. Its time to move on for another challenge and I hope to make more positive history with Plateau United.

"Thank you with all my heart," he said. 

The Kwara born goal tender will be working with Fidelis Ilechukwu who has just been appointed as the new Technical Adviser of Plateau United following the departure of Coach Abdu Maikaba after the just concluded NPFL season. 

Kano Pillars finished 5th on the log last season while Plateau United ended 9th.

Unity Preseason Tournament debuts in Abuja

The maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament will be held in the Federal Capital Territory for all the Premiership and National League clubs in the North Central zone of the country.

According to the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) the tournament is meant to prepare the teams in the zone for the 2021/2022 Football season.

Ngwaogu said the tournament is aimed at unifying the teams in the zone, prepare them adequately for new season and give them the opportunity to assess all their new recruits for the season.

The former Abia Warriors FC Sporting Director said the teams expected for the tournament will include Kwara United, Plateau United, Nasarawa United, Niger Tornadoes, and Lobi Stars. He said the NNL clubs expected will include Kogi United, ABS FC, EFCC FC, FRSC FC, NAF FC and Oyah Sports FC.

He said that 30 October to 5 November 2021 has been proposed for the tournament.

Road Safety denies ABS in opening Bet9ja NNL day

Road Safety FC of Abuja on Saturday forced hosts, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC to a one-all draw.

ABS donate balls to Govt House team

Officials of Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, on Saturday donated balls to the Kwara State Government House football team.

North Central derby clash heralds 5th Gold Cup Tournament in Ilorin

Defending Champions Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi will slug it out with newly promoted Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL side Kwara United of Ilorin in the opening Match of this year's Gold Cup Preseason Soccer Tournament slated for Wednesday 15th of November, 2017 at the Main Bowl of Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.

ABS' Ernest Governor on Enyimba radar

Relegated Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC defender, Ernest Governor is one the targets of former champions, Enyimba International as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2017/18 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup.

Lobi Stars, Kwara Utd kick off Gold Cup Tourney

 Defending champions Lobi Stars Football Club will lock horns against Nigeria Professional Football League newcomers, Kwara United FC, as the 5th edition of the Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament kicks-off on Wednesday November 15, in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Alalade strikes ABS to Aiteo Cup last eight

Wasiu Alalade’s 47th minute strike was enough for Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, to dump out Unicem Rovers of Calabar from the Aiteo Cup on Wednesday. 

Gata nets hat trick as ABS FC book Round 16 Aiteo Cup ticket

Adeshina Gata scored an hat-trick and put up a man of the match performance to help Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC beat Adamawa Feeders team 6-3 in a round of 32 Aiteo Cup on Wednesday in Ilorin. 

ABS FC deepens Remo Stars relegation worries

Goals from Oyedeji Samuel and Wasiu Alalade ensured Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS FC) got maximum points against Visitors, Remo Stars FC (RSFC) in one of  Match Day 33 games in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) at the Kwara State Complex Stadium, Ilorin.

Rivers United avoids late heartbreak versus ABS

There was to be no ‘late break’ for Rivers United as Rivers United produced a gutsy albeit workmanlike performance in Sunday’s 0-0 draw against ABS FC as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) enters match day 29.

Remo Stars Ochowechi Clinches Match Day 22 VAT Wonder Goal

Remo Stars Salefu Ochowechi’s 19^th minute free kick goal against Gombe United on Match Day 22 turned out the most popular for the fans who participated in the voting for Match Day 22 VAT Wonder Goal selection.

ABS FC downs Tornadoes in Ilorin

Substitute Eugene Ossy's 84th minute strike for ABS FC quelled the upsurge of Niger Tornadoes in Ilorin as the Saraki Boys grind out a 2-1 win in one of the Matchday 22 of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL encounters played on Sunday.

Pinnick, Dikko, others storm Ilorin as ABS FC renews PUMA sponsorship deal

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Mr. Amaju Pinnick and the Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Malam Shehu Dikko will be special guests of Honour at the 

official launch of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, new kit in partnership with PUMA.

LMC Counts Gains of the NPFL U-15 Promises Tournament

The recently concluded Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) U-15 Promises Tournament has been described as the jumpstarting of the process for a sustainable youth football culture in the NPFL.

Rivers United drown ABS FC

Christian Weli and Godbless Asamoah scored in each half as Rivers United beat ABS FC 2-0 in a rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game in Port Harcourt on Thursday. 

Seni Saraki inaugurates 12-man Committee for late Yekini U-13 soccer competition

The Chairman of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, Mr. Seni Saraki, on Wednesday inaugurated a 12-man Committee to organise an U-13 football competition in honour of late Rasheed Yekini.