The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ABS

  • ABS unveils squad Monday

    ABS unveils squad Monday

    The Nigeria National League (NNL) side, ABS will on Monday announce the names of the 30 players signed for the season.

    The llorin-based side lost a record 24 players to various clubs at the end of last season.

    An official of the side, Alloy Chukwuemeka, said the side has finalised programmes for the new season, signing players that will help it return to the elite league.

    “We lost a record 24 players to the mega buck clubs which necessitated massive recruitment for the upcoming season.

    “The final list of 30 players will be released on Monday to enable us enter into the mood for the commencement of the season on January 25.

    “We don’t have further time to waste, we have to act fast to cover ground and position ourselves towards realising our dream for promotion to the Premier League at the end of the season,” Chukwuemeka said to supersport.com.

    He said the side has lined up quality pre-season matches commencing on Thursday, January 9 against the NNL Division A campaigners, Kogi United at the Lokoja Confluence Stadium.

    “Once the list is confirmed on Monday we’ll immediately kick off our pre-season build-up matches on January 9 against Kogi United in Lokoja,” he added.

     

  • ABS set to name Dogo’s successor

    ABS set to name Dogo’s successor

    Nigeria National League (NNL) side, ABS are poised to name a head coach on or before Tuesday, for the 2013/14 season.

    The club’s former gaffer, Kabir Suleiman Dogo has pitched tent with Glo Premier League side, Nasarawa United.

    The llorin-based side are among the quartet that were relegated to the lower division at the end of the 2012/13 Glo Premier League season.

    ABS general manager, Alloy Chukwuemeka said the committee saddled with the challenge to recommend the best coach for the side is expected to name their shortlist of coaches preparatory to the official announcement before the month runs out.

    “In 10 or 11 days’ time a new coach will be named for ABS for the upcoming 2013/14 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

    “The committee charged with the responsibility is expected to submit their shortlisted coaches in 24 hours to quicken the naming of the successful coach on or before the end of the month.

    “Over 27 coaches applied for the vacated job by coach Kabir Dogo who has since joined Nasarawa United.

    “The successful coach must be sound, experienced and have proven profile to have guided a side to gain promotion to the Premier League.

    “We restricted our choice inward and the coach will be told in no uncertain terms to return the side to the Premier League in five months’ time.

    “Our watchword or slogan at the moment is ABS must come back to the Premier League in five months’ time, which is the time frame for the 2013/14 NNL season.

    “The NNL board agreed to run a five-month abridged league in compliance with FIFA directives to its federating units due to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

    “So, the 2013/14 NNL season will commence on January 25 to terminate on May 31,” Chukwuemeka said to supersport.com.

    ABS have decided to shelve the Yuletide break to concentrate on preparations for their opening NNL Division A tie against Abia Comets on January 25 at the Kwara State Stadium, llorin.

  • 27 coaches battle for ABS managerial position

    27 coaches battle for ABS managerial position

    As at the last count, 27 top rated coaches have applied for the vacant managerial position at Nigeria National League side, Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC.

    A top source in the club revealed to SportingLife that the top hierarchy of the Ilorin based club are surprised at the applications from leading coaches in the country who are all jostling for the Technical Adviser job of ABS which became vacant after Kabiru Suleiman Dogo left the club for Nasarawa United recently.

    The official said that the club’s management would soon sit in the coming days to prune down the list of applicants based on the requirements they have outlined.

    ABS got relegated to the lower league last season despite a late rally to avoid the drop. They ended the season with 50 points from 38 matches and placed 18th in the 20 team table.

  • Tackle youth unemployment, say Ahmed, Saraki

    Tackle youth unemployment, say Ahmed, Saraki

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his predecessor, Senator Bukola Saraki, yesterday urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on youth unemployment.

    Both vowed to, in the next four weeks, provide no less than 5,000 jobs.

    They said: “It is time the Federal Government declared a state of emergency on youth unemployment, just as we have declared a state of emergency on power and security.

    “We must find a lasting solution to this problem; it cannot be immediate, but we can start a process that will give the youth hope.”

    The duo spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, at a technical summit for unemployed youths, organised by the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Constituency Office.

    The theme of the summit was “Youth unemployment in Kwara State: The way forward”.

    Ahmed said: “For us in Kwara State, the solution to this social challenge is two-pronged. First, we are creating a new crop of youth entrepreneurs through capacity building and access to affordable micro-credit funds on the platform of cooperatives.

    “Second, in line with Dr. Saraki’s vision for agro-led prosperity in Kwara State, we are assertively promoting youth involvement in agribusiness through targeted training, access to funding and mentorship.

    “I, therefore, call on youths to take up entrepreneurship by leveraging on the spaces created by government in the informal sector and in agribusiness.

    “To own a successful business is as lucrative as it is liberating. It frees you from the dangers of placing your ladder on someone else’s wall, thus making you the architect of your prosperity.”

    Saraki said: “Individuals cannot do it all, you must be ready to seize the opportunity, you must be committed and you must be serious and see it as a journey to success.

    “My hope and dream is that from our discussions, we will find a lasting solution that will provide jobs for over 5,000 people immediately. This will include both entrepreneurship schemes largely and regular white collar jobs.

    “The entrepreneurship schemes will provide take off grants. I will seek the governor’s partnership in coming up with a solution. My idea is we spend the next four weeks reviewing recommendations and putting together a roadmap.”

  • Life in the lower league: ABS GM warns players, coaches

    Life in the lower league: ABS GM warns players, coaches

    ABS General Manager, Alloy Chukwuemeka has warned players and officials of the club to brace up for a fight in their bid to return to the elite division as they resume today for pre-season activities ahead of the National League season.

    Chukwuemeka, in a mail to SportingLife, said ABS FC decided to begin preparations for the 2013/2014 Nigeria National League (NNL) season so that the club can fashion out ways to negotiate their way back to the top flight.

    He, therefore, directed that all coaches and players of the club should resume at the team’s playing ground at the Kwara Football Academy by 7.00am today. The players are to come with their kits as they will commence training immediatelly.

    Following the relegation of the club at the end of the 2012/2013 Premier League season, ABS will now campaign in the NNL, and have been placed in the Southern Division of the cadre for the season.

    Chukwuemeka confirmed that the club would lose the services of some notable players who have teamed up with some Premier League Clubs.

    He added that the immediate task at hand was to return the team to the elite league, even as he called for support from fans, supporters, and stakeholders.

    He then commended the proprietor of the team, Senator (Dr) Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON), for keeping faith with his vision of using the team to empower and develop young people.

    ABS were relegated alongside Ilorin-based club, Kwara United at the end of the 2012/2013 season and both clubs.

  • ABS resumes ahead new season

    ABS resumes ahead new season

    Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC will resume on Friday to begin preparation for the 2013/2014 Nigeria National League season.

    The General Manager of the club, Alloy Chukwuemeka has, directed that all coaches and players of the club should resume at the team’s playing ground at Kwara Football Academy by 7.00am on Friday.

    Following the relegation of the club at the end of the 2012/2013 Premier League season, the team will now campaign in the NNL, and have been grouped to the Southern Division of the cadre, ahead of the season.

    The club will no doubt lose the services of notable players who have teamed up with some Premier League Clubs. The players are to bring along with them training kits, as they will commence preparation immediately.

    Chukwuemeka added that the immediate task at hand is to return the team to the elite league, even as he called for the support of fans and supporters of the cliub, as well as the stakeholders.

    He praised the Proprietor of the team, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON), for keeping faith with his vision of using the team to empower and develop the youths.

  • ABS’ Ichull now a Wolf

    ABS’ Ichull now a Wolf

    ABS midfielder, Lordson Ichull, has officially penned a two-year deal with Warri Wolves ahead of the 2013/14 Glo Premier League season.

    Ichull, who was ever present in relegated ABS’ midfield this past season, has been on the radar of a host of Glo Premier League sides, but Warri Wolves have won the race to sign the former Kwara Football Academy graduate.

    The 20-year-old told supersport.com that he was ecstatic about the move and hopes it will be a step forward in his career.

    “I can tell you that I’ve signed a two-year deal with Warri Wolves. I was satisfied with what they put on the table. Negotiations have been going on and speculation flew around that I had already signed, but I can reveal to you now that it has all been sorted,” he said.

    Ichull has already arrived in Warri and will begin training immediately with the Glo Premier League outfit as they prepare for the 2013/14 season.

    The Benue-born midfielder also explained why he chose Warri Wolves instead of the other clubs that have been hot on his heels.

    “There was a plethora of clubs willing to take me on, but various factors made me chose Warri Wolves. They are a stable team and are also on the continent (CAF Confederations Cup). That itself is a motivation for me to put myself out there and show what I can do. I believe I made the right choice,” Ichull added.

  • ABS stars spotted in Enyimba camp

    ABS stars spotted in Enyimba camp

    ABS Fc winger Thomas Zenke and striker Abdulrahman Bashir have been spotted in the camp of Enyimba, ahead of the new season raising reports that they could be joining the six time Nigerian premier league champions.

    The camp of Enyimba have been filled with players from different clubs in recent weeks, players who are looking at joining the CAF Champions league campaigners.

    Futaa.com checks within the People’s Elephants’camp also saw Kwara Utd defender Evans Yoro, Sharks Fc goalkeeper Chijoke Ejiogu who have already begun training with the Aba based side.

    Meanwhile top officials of Enyimba say they are expecting to officially announce their new Technical adviser this week after various management meetings were held.

    But sources inside the club also revealed that former Dolphins and current El-Kanemi Warriors coach Zacary Baraje looks like the favoured candidate to get the most coverted job, while Former U-17, Bayelsa Utd & Enugu Rangers assistant coach Monday Odige has also been linked to the Aba based club.

  • Ichull set to leave ABS

    Ichull set to leave ABS

    Relegated ABS midfielder, Lordson Ichull, looks to be the latest player orchestrating a move away from the Nigeria National League side.

    The former Kwara Football Academy graduate has been the toast of clubs around the country since the season ended, and has now decided to seek a move to a Glo Premier League side.

    Ichull, who is currently in Makurdi to spend the holidays, told supersport.com that he plans to hold talks with the Ilorin-based outfit as regards a move away from the team.

    “Every player wants to play in the top flight and I’m no exception. It’s unfortunate we got relegated, but life must go on. ABS gave me my break in football, and Ilorin is like a second home for me, but as a professional footballer, sporting interests come first,” Ichull explained.

    The 20-year-old, who scored five goals this past season also revealed that he has received offers from a plethora of clubs in the Glo Premier League but is taking his time to study the offers.

    “I’ve got a couple of offers and my representatives are looking at them to see what suits me best. I cannot reveal their names now for obvious reasons but you’ll be the first to know when it has been formalised.

    “The only thing I can tell you is that I will sign for a team campaigning on the continent next season. I want to showcase my talents on the continent and I want a club that can help me achieve that,” Ichull revealed, as regards his plans for the new season.

    Supersport.com gathered that the frontrunners for the hard-tackling midfielder’s signature are Warri Wolves and Enugu Rangers.

  • Bashir set for ABS exit

    Bashir set for ABS exit

    ABS striker, Abdulrahman Bashir, will not play any role for the relegated Ilorin side in the Nigeria National League (NNL) when the new season resumes.

    Since his fantastic debut during the 2010/11 season, Bashir, who is described as the “Soul” of the club considering his position as a founding member, has remained a target of several top clubs.

    Bashir holds a record of 62 goals (in the amateur and professional class) for the club.

    “I’m heading for the exit and it’s obvious I’ll play for a Premier League side, next term. I’ve enjoyed my time at ABS.

    “I’ll have a discussion with the club’s hierachy,” Bashir told SuperSport.com.

    Bashir and club captain, Fade Adebayo, are the only players in the top flight, who played in the amateur and professional cadre for the same team.

    ABS rejected offers from Kano Pillars to lure him last season.

    SuperSport.com learnt that the trio of Enyimba, Bayelsa United and Sharks have made serious enquiries about the availability of the attacker.

    However, Enyimba and Bayelsa appear likely destinations because Bashir will get the chance of playing continental football.