Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin Football Club has reappointed Cameroonian-born coach Anthony Encho as the head coach for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
Encho returns to the club to replace Coach Sani Sarduana, who was asked to step aside following an underwhelming performance in the first half of the league campaign.
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Speaking at his unveiling during a special breaking of fast meeting with the Kwara State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Monday, March 10, 2025, Encho expressed his determination to guide ABS FC to a playoff spot and secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
“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.
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