ABS will challenge for NPFL title — Chukwuemeka

Director of Football, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC of Ilorin, Alloy Chukwuemeka, has said his club will be more consistent earlier in the Nigeria Professional Football League to “compete” for the league title with their style of play.

ACC, as he is fondly called by his admirers believes that NPFL returnee will have what it takes to challenge Enyimba, Rangers and Kano Pillars next season.

The Executive Secretary of NPFL Club Owners said, ABS will have enough quality to challenge for top spot and suggests that there will be a shared desire in the squad to be ‘right up there’ next season.

“We will work hard as a unit. We want to show that we’re a good side and we want to be right up there,” Chukwuemeka told sportstalkafrica.com.

He stressed that the club is moving into a new dimension in terms of its financial situations.

“We have got fantastic support from the club president [Senate President, Bukola Saraki] and we’re very confident with the positive progression. We should be able to compete for the league title.”

Meanwhile, the management of the team has said it will retain 15 of its 33 players registered last season.

The Welfare Officer of ABS FC, Ahmed Abdullahi, disclosed this to journalists in Ilorin on Saturday, adding that the decision to send 18 players to the labour market was taken after a meeting with the players, technical crew and management on Friday evening.

Abdullahi revealed that the club is in advanced discussion with some of its former players who are plying their trade with other NPFL teams to rejoin them.

He stated that no fewer than 20 players groomed at ABs are playing in other clubs.

Abdullahi informed that the players have been released for a two-week break to see their families and return for the new season on November 25.

He however, pointed out that if the resumption of the new season is December 11, as it is being anticipated, the players may resume earlier than the November 25 date.