Why Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC appointed homegrown coach – Club director

By Tosin Omojola –

Director of Football, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC of Ilorin, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, has explained why the club settled for a homegrown tactician to lead the team in the 2025/26 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

The management of ABS, during the week, unveiled coach Yusuf Salihu as the team’s head coach ahead of the new season.

Speaking moments after the unveiling ceremony, which took place at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Sports Centre of the Kwara SWAN Secretariat, located inside the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, ACC, as he is fondly called, hinted that the decision was in line with the club’s tradition.

The astute football administrator, who is also a retired referee, said ABS, as a club, looks beyond winning laurels but is also committed to discovering and nurturing grassroots products into world-class stars.

He said the club drew inspiration from the achievement of coach Tunde Sanni, who led Kwara United to win the 2025 President Federation Cup, in arriving at the choice of coach Salihu.

“Coach Tunde Sanni was given the opportunity to show what he can offer and he was able to prove his mettle; hence, we believe that coaches like coach Salihu need such encouragement to express their capabilities in the job,” said Chukwuemeka.

ABS Ilorin FC, founded to nurture young talent and promote football development, continues its tradition of grooming quality players who can make an impact both locally and internationally in line with the vision of the owners, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.