By Oyindamola Amuda
The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club (ABS FC) has secured its spot in the upcoming 2024/2025 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL), the country’s second-tier football league.
The team’s return to the NNL is particularly notable given that ABS FC was among the 12 teams relegated to the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) after the conclusion of the 2023/2024 season.
The relegation, which the team attributed to challenging environmental conditions, also saw their junior squad competing in the NLO during the same period.
During a recent address to accredited volunteers in Ilorin ahead of the North Central phase of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Players’ Talent Hunt and Development Programme, the team’s Coordinator, Jimoh Bashir, reaffirmed ABS FC’s commitment to maintaining its professional status.
“We can confirm that we are competing in the NNL next season, and the ongoing talent hunt initiative is targeted at achieving three aims, which are to discover talents for European football markets, for the ABS FC U-19 Youth Team and the ABS FC main team.” He stated.
Bashir further detailed that the U-19 squad is set to participate in the N-Youth League Cup starting in September.
The elite competition is designed to offer a top-tier football experience for young players aged 16 to 19, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills at a national level.
He also disclosed that the ABS FC Players’ Talent Hunt and Development Programme is being conducted in collaboration with international partners, with Shogo Shodunke taking on the role of Consultant.
“Now that we have another opportunity to play in the NNL, we are currently solidifying our preparations, and will name our coaches very soon.
“We must therefore, commend the Proprietor of the club, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the Chairman, Seni Saraki and the Director of Football, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka for the opportunity, which we hope to justify,” he said.
