ABS FC Reappoints Anthony Encho as Head Coach to Chase NPFL Promotion
Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin Football Club has reappointed Cameroonian coach Anthony Encho as head coach for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
Encho's return comes after Coach Sani Sarduana was relieved of his duties due to an underwhelming performance during the first half of the league campaign. The club aims to revitalise its fortunes under Encho's leadership, with a focus on securing a playoff position and earning promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
At his unveiling during a special iftar meeting with the Kwara State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Monday, March 10, 2025, Encho affirmed his commitment to steering ABS FC towards achieving their targets. He expressed determination to instill discipline, improve team dynamics, and deliver the desired results in the latter part of the season.
“I was here before and achieved 50% of my goal. Now, I'm back to complete the remaining 50%. My primary objective is to lead the team to the Super Eight and gain promotion to the NPFL,” Encho stated.
He emphasized his belief in his coaching philosophy and the players' potential, urging them to remain focused despite their current position. “There was once a team in Lagos that struggled in the NPFL, but today they are among the best. I want my players to adopt a positive mindset and aim for the Super Eight. By the grace of God, we will achieve it,” he added.
Encho has a wealth of coaching experience, having previously served as Technical Adviser for Crown FC Ogbomosho and worked with NNL sides Solution FC and Ijebu United. His international experience includes coaching stints with Samui United Academy in Thailand and Tiger Soccer Academy in Sharjah, UAE.
The newly appointed head coach will work alongside Coaches Saliu Aremu, Salaudeen Adeyinka (Keshi), and goalkeeper coach Boyin Ayodele.
During the event, ABS FC Director of Football, Chief Alloy Chuwuemeka, representing club chairman Seni Saraki, also announced the appointment of Ikechukwu Igiri as his personal assistant on special duties. Igiri is the son of the late Joseph Igiri, the club's former welfare officer. This appointment, Chuwuemeka stated, fulfills a promise to support Igiri's family.
Chuwuemeka praised club proprietor Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for his unwavering support over the years and commended chairman Seni Saraki as a passionate football administrator. He also lauded Kwara Football Association Chairman, Mallam Idris Musa Abdullahi, for his contributions to football development in the state.
In his remarks, Mallam Idris Musa Abdullahi reaffirmed ABS FC's status as a model for professionalism and talent development, expressing pride in being a product of the club.
Currently, ABS Ilorin FC sits seventh in Conference B of the Nigeria National League (NNL). They will resume their campaign with an away fixture against Gateway FC of Abeokuta on March 21, 2025.
Cloud Tag: What's trending
Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.
Abdulazeez Uthman Abdulfatai Salman Baakini Mohammed Abdulahi Akeem Lawal Joshua Adeyemi Adimula Code Of Conduct Bureau Hassanat Bello Chief Imam Of Omu-Aran Eleyele Lawal Arinola Kudirat Khadijat Ayoola Yusuf Maigidasanma Council Of The Wise David Oyedepo Code Of Conduct Tribunal Assayomo Crystal Corner Shops Olabode George Towoju Mohammed Yisa Lanwa Elerin Of Adanla Tanke Flyover Bridge Afolabi-Oshatimehin Adenike Harriet Kayode Ishola Y.A. Abdulkareem Oke-Odo Abdulrauf Yusuf Smart School Kwara South Saliu Ajia Abdullahi G. Mohammad Sulyman Age AbdulKareem Musa Yeketi Tsaragi-Share JUSUN Balogun Fulani Abubakar Atiku Apaola Adaramaja Bello Oyedepo Moronfoye Eghe Igbinehin Busari Alabi Alausa KWASAA Saliu Mustapha National Association Of Nigerian Students Saka Saadu Sardauna Of Ilorin Sunday Popo-Ola Post Utme Obayomi Azeez Abubakar Baba Edu Christopher Ayeni Yusuf Arowosaye Damilola Yusuf Adesoye College Firdaos Amasa Ghali Muhammed Damilola Yusuf Adelodun Mohammed Ghali Alaaya Bankole Omisore KWASEIC Ita-Ore Yaman Rasaq Jimoh Muhammadu Buhari Funmi Salau Mohammed Abduraheem Muhammad Akande Olarewaju Odunade Jawondo Sabi QuickWin SARS AbdulRauf Keji Razaq Ayobami Akanbi Dauda Adesola

