As Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club (ABS FC) of Ilorin braces up for the new football season, the club has again reiterated it’s resolve to seek sponsorship and partnership, to cope with its tripple projects.
ABS FC will participate in the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League (NNL), which has been scheduled to kick off on November 30th. The club is currently participating in the U19 N-Youth League Cup, while 30 players have also been selected in the Player Talent Hunt and Development Programme (PTDP).
In a bid to unearth and nurture top footballing talent in Nigeria, ABS Ilorin FC in July 2024, organised Player Talent Hunt and Development Programme in the country, through the six geo-political zones.
The talent hunt was done in six locations across Nigeria, including Kaduna (North West), Bauchi (North East), Owerri (South East), Calabar (South South), Ado Ekiti (South West), and Ilorin (North Central). The grand finale, where 30 players were picked from over 120 players took place in Offa, Kwara State.
The initiative, aimed at discovering players ready for transfer to the European market, was a collaborative effort with ABS FC’s international partners, seeks to identify and develop young players with exceptional skills and potential.
The club’s Director of Football, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka said that the PTDP programme is unique, as it’s the very first nationwide effort by any club in recent times.
While unveiling the final selected players, as well as the coaches for its team that will compete in the Nigeria National League (NNL), Chief Chukwuemeka charged the players on discipline and dedication to duty.
“ABS FC is a platform that is supporting the growth of youth in the round leather game. You will all be under the club’s special programme that is being supported by its international partners.
“Apart from the 30 players for the PTDP programme, we have also selected another 30 players for the N-Youth League Cup, as an extended platform. We are also preparing a team for the 2024/2025 NNL.
“And that is why we will need the support of the private sector in assisting the youth to grow meaningfully, and especially to support the cause of football and humanity.
“ABS FC will be seeking the support of willing sponsors and partners, especially in the branding of its match and training jerseys, as well as operational costs, transportation aids, welfare of players and logistics, that will add value to our team, and promotional platform for the sponsors.
