By Wale Mustapha
Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC have confirmed the appointment of Yusuf Salihu as their new Head Coach ahead of the forthcoming Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign.
The unveiling took place on Tuesday at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Sports Centre, Kwara SWAN Secretariat, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin.
Speaking at the event, ABS FC’s Director of Football, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, described Salihu’s appointment as a natural choice, praising his professionalism, discipline, and dedication.
“Coach Salihu is a thorough professional whose qualities align perfectly with our ambitions for the new season. We believe he has what it takes to lead ABS FC to success,” Chukwuemeka said.
In his remarks, Salihu expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized the importance of collective effort.
“Football is teamwork, and that’s why it remains a collective game — I can’t do it alone,” Salihu said.
“With unity, commitment, and the support of management and stakeholders, we will succeed.”
Salihu succeeds Encho Anthony, the Cameroonian tactician who departed at the end of last season, after failing to guide ABS FC to the NNL playoffs in the 2024/25 campaign.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
