NNL 25: ABS Ilorin FC Re-Appoints Anthony Encho As New Head Coach

NNL 25: ABS Ilorin FC Re-Appoints Anthony Encho As New Head Coach

Precious Oham

Abubakar Bukola Saraki Ilorin Football Club have re-appointed Cameroonian-born Encho Anthony Encho as the new head coach for the remainder of the 2024/25 season, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Encho comes in as a replacement to Coach Sani Sarduana, who was asked to step aside after a not-too-impressive run in the first round of the league.

Speaking to the media shortly after his presentation, Encho promised to guide the team to secure the playoff spot for NPFL promotion at the end of the season.

"I was in ABS before I did 50% percent and I am back to do the remaining 50% to complete 100 percent, my first mission is to take the team to the Super Eight and promote the team to the NPFL. 

"Every coach has its own philosophy; I want to believe in myself and in my players and what I impact on the player. Let me remind you that there is a team in Lagos that was down in the NPFL before, but now they're up there.

"So, I don't want my players to be distracted or discouraged by their position. I want them to have a positive mindset that they are going to the Super 8 and by the special grace of God we will achieve it."

The Cameroonian Coach was once the Technical Adviser of NNL side Crown FC Ogbomosho. He has also worked with NNL sides Solution FC and Ijebu United FC while also handling some foreign-based clubs such as Samui United Academy of Thailand and Tiger Soccer Academy Sharjah of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Encho will work with Saliu Aremu, Salaudeen Adeyinka (Keshi) and Boyin Ayodele (Goalkeeper coach).

ABS is currently placed seventh in Conference B of the Nigeria National League (NNL) and will kick off the second stanza of the ongoing 2024/2025 season with an away game against Gateway FC of Abeokuta on 21st March 2025.