ABS FC Reshuffles Leadership as Salihu Departs Ilorin

The Ilorin-based Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Football Club has officially entered a new administrative phase following the departure of head coach Yusuf Salihu. In a move that signals a tactical reset for the ambitious Nigeria National League (NNL) outfit, the club announced that both parties had reached a mutual agreement to terminate the gaffer’s contract. The decision comes at a critical juncture as the “Saraki Boys” look to recalibrate their campaign for the second half of the season.

Salihu, who was handed the reins in September 2025 with high expectations, led the team through a turbulent first stanza of the 2025/2026 season. His tenure was defined by a search for consistency, ultimately recording three victories and suffering four defeats across seven competitive outings. Despite flashes of tactical promise, the hierarchy at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Sports Centre clearly felt a change was necessary to propel the team from their current seventh-place standing in Conference C into a more competitive playoff position.

The club was swift in naming a successor to handle immediate responsibilities. Ogundeji Alade has been elevated to the role of interim head coach, stepping into the spotlight after serving as a loyal and knowledgeable figure within the technical backroom. Ogundeji is far from a stranger to the pressures of the Ilorin dugout; his previous experience working under the tutelage of former Cameroonian tactician Tony Encho provides him with a deep understanding of the squad’s dynamics and the club’s long-term philosophy.

This transition reflects a broader trend within the NNL where the margin for error is razor-thin and promotion aspirations demand immediate impact. The club’s Director of Football, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, has consistently emphasized the vision of proprietor Dr. Bukola Saraki to provide a platform for young talent. With the mid-season break currently in effect, Ogundeji has a narrow window to instill his vision before the players resume training on January 13, 2026.

The departure of Salihu marks the end of a brief chapter that began with the hope of emulating the successes of homegrown coaches in the region. While his win-loss record did not tell the whole story of his efforts to modernize the team’s playstyle, the “mutual” nature of the split suggests a shared recognition that a fresh perspective was required. The focus now shifts to whether the interim leadership can turn narrow defeats into the points necessary for a promotion push.

For Ogundeji, this appointment is a significant audition. Having spent years in the shadows of more seasoned managers, he now has the autonomy to implement his tactical blueprints. His familiarity with the current roster—many of whom were recruited during the Encho and Salihu eras—could prove to be his greatest asset as he seeks to stabilize a defense that faltered in key away fixtures during the first stanza.

As the Ilorin fans look toward the resumption of the league in the new year, the atmosphere at the George Innih Stadium remains one of cautious optimism. The club has a storied history of nurturing stars who have gone on to represent the Super Eagles and various European clubs. Maintaining that pipeline while fighting for a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) remains the daunting task facing the new interim boss.

The coming weeks will be instrumental in defining the trajectory of ABS FC for the remainder of 2026. With the boardroom having made its move, the ball is now firmly in the court of Ogundeji and his players to prove that this reshuffle was the missing piece of the puzzle. The Ilorin faithful will be watching closely to see if the familiar face of Alade can spark a resurgence and bring the glory days back to the Abubakar Bukola Saraki legacy.