Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC has parted ways with its Head Coach, Yusuf Salihu, following a mutual agreement between both parties.
Coach Salihu was appointed on September 9, 2025, and led the team through the first stanza of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season. Under his guidance, ABS Ilorin FC recorded three wins and four defeats, finishing fourth on the Conference C standings.
The management of ABS Ilorin FC appreciates Coach Yusuf Salihu for his commitment, professionalism, and dedication during his time with the club, and wishes him success in his future endeavours.
To ensure continuity and avoid any leadership vacuum, the club has appointed Ogundeji Alade as Interim Head Coach.
Coach Ogundeji, a familiar figure within the ABS Ilorin FC setup, had previously worked with Cameroonian Coach Tony Encho during his tenure at the club. The management is confident in his ability to steady the team and effectively guide the players during this transitional period.
ABS FC head into the second round of the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL) season with cautious optimism, having recorded a mixed but competitive first-round campaign.
The Ilorin-based side wrapped up the opening stanza fourth on the Conference C table with nine points from seven matches, a return that reflects both promise and inconsistency. Three victories and four defeats tell the story of a team capable of grinding out results, yet still searching for the steadiness required for a genuine promotion push.
ABS FC’s resilience was evident in a number of key encounters. Narrow but vital 1–0 victories over established sides like Lobi Stars and Sporting Lagos stood out as highlights of the first round, underlining the team’s fighting spirit and ability to rise to the occasion in tense contests.
Those wins not only boosted morale but also reaffirmed the club’s reputation as a difficult opponent, particularly when fully focused and disciplined.
However, the flip side of the campaign exposed areas that need attention. A run of defeats against strong opposition slowed their momentum and kept them from firmly establishing themselves among the top contenders.
The inability to maintain consistency from matchday to matchday proved costly, leaving ABS FC in a position that is competitive but far from comfortable.
With the mid-season break now in effect, the club’s new Technical Adviser must turn attention to fine-tuning tactics, improving cohesion and addressing lapses that plagued the first round.
Training is expected to resume in earnest ahead of the second stanza, with the clear objective of building on the positives while eliminating avoidable errors.
Club management has not hidden its ambition. The message from the hierarchy is clear: ABS FC must raise their level in the second round if promotion dreams are to remain alive. Greater consistency, improved results on the road and a more solid defensive approach are seen as key ingredients for success as the league resumes.
As the second round approaches, ABS FC remain very much in the hunt. With the table still tight and several matches to play, a strong run of form could quickly propel the Ilorin side into serious contention.
The coming weeks will therefore be decisive, as ABS FC look to transform first-round lessons into second-round momentum in their quest for NNL glory.
