ABS Ilorin Unveil 37-Man Squad for NNL Promotion Push

Posted : 07 November 2026

ABS Ilorin FC have unveiled a 37-man squad comprising 26 new signings and 11 retained players as they prepare for the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

The Saraki Boys are targeting a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with Technical Adviser Festus Allen overseeing a major rebuilding exercise aimed at improving the team's competitiveness.

The new arrivals cover all departments, with the club recruiting players from various teams and football academies to provide greater squad depth and more options ahead of the campaign.

Among the notable additions are forwards Abdulsalam Abdulrahman, Jamiu Ismail, Samuel Bamgboye, Yusuf Ibrahim and Jerry Daniel.

The midfield has also been strengthened with the arrivals of Tope Michael, Alex Isaiah, Nnachi David, Dabiri Fadil, Samuel Oyedeji and Umar Awal. Defensive recruits include Esse Godwin, Adanala Basit, Olusola Olawale Moses and Ezema Ifeanyi.

Goalkeeper Bernard Gabriel Osaro is another new signing expected to increase competition for places between the posts.

However, the club have retained 11 players from last season to maintain some continuity. They include goalkeepers Saka Ajanaku and Shakiru Lawal, alongside Bala Mohammed, Pelumi Samuel, Lawal Ridwan, Ilaisu Adam, Ahmed Mukaila, Ayo Ebi, Moshood Olaniyan, Mutalubi Danjuma and Jamiu Onikoko.

Meanwhile, captain Mohammed Bala has expressed confidence in the team's readiness ahead of their opening fixture against Sokoto United at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin.

The ABS skipper assured supporters and the club's management that the players were determined to begin their campaign with maximum points.

"Everybody is prepared and we are ready. I'm assuring our lovers and the management that tomorrow, by the grace of God, we are winning the match," Bala said.

Bala, who took over the captaincy following Timothy Boniface's departure, acknowledged the demands of leadership but expressed confidence in his ability to guide the team through the challenges ahead.

"Sometimes, it's a big challenge for me because being a leader in the team is not easy. It's a big task, but by the grace of God, we are coming out victorious tomorrow," he added.

He also praised the commitment shown by his teammates during preparations, saying the squad were motivated to deliver a positive result.

"I'm happy with what I saw. Everybody is ready to play and, by the special grace of God, I know we are winning tomorrow," he concluded.

ABS Ilorin will hope their extensive recruitment drive, combined with the experience of their retained players, provides a solid foundation for a winning start against Sokoto United as they pursue promotion to the NPFL.

ABS Ilorin Unveil 37-Man Squad for NNL Promotion Push

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