Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club ABS Ilorin FC has unveiled a 30 player squad for the upcoming Nigeria National Under 19 Youth League, ahead of the opening fixtures. The unveiling took place at the club’s camp in Ilorin, with head coach Babatunde Toafeeq expressing confidence in the team’s readiness to compete at the highest level. The team has spent the last six weeks preparing, playing seven matches, winning four, drawing two, and losing one.
Coach Toafeeq highlighted the talent and readiness of the squad, believing they are well equipped for the league. Club Coordinator Mallam Jimoh Bashir emphasized the club’s tradition of playing good football, noting that ABS FC has a history of success, such as winning the inaugural La Liga U15 tournament in 2017.
The initiative of the U19 Youth League aims to promote football at the grassroots level and expose young players to European scouts. Kwara State Football Association Chairman, Mallam Idris Musa Abdullahi, praised the Nigeria Football Federation NFF for endorsing the league, noting that it will help identify young talents for the future of Nigerian football.
The full 30 man squad includes 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, and 11 attackers.
Editorial
The unveiling of ABS FC’s 30-man squad for the Nigeria National Under-19 Youth League is an important milestone, not only for the club but for Nigerian football development as a whole. The U19 league represents a crucial opportunity for young talents to showcase their skills on a national stage, while also opening doors to potential careers abroad. The involvement of European scouts through the league’s setup makes this even more promising for the players involved.
ABS FC has a history of nurturing young football talents, and their commitment to grassroots football has already yielded success in competitions like the La Liga U15. With a well prepared team led by Coach Babatunde Toafeeq, the club seems poised to make a strong impact in this league.
The initiative to bring together youth teams from the NPFL, NNL, and academies across the country further emphasizes the importance of this competition. The league will not only help identify new talents for Nigerian football but also strengthen the overall development structure within the country’s football system.
As ABS FC embarks on this journey, their progress will be closely watched by those hoping to see Nigeria’s next football stars emerge. The combination of talent, preparation, and the opportunity to play in a competitive environment could lead to remarkable success for many of these young players.
Did You Know?
- ABS FC won the inaugural La Liga U15 tournament in 2017.
- The Nigeria National Under 19 Youth League is aimed at promoting football at the grassroots level and giving young players exposure to scouts from Europe.
- Kwara State is known for its footballing tradition, with ABS FC being a symbol of good football in the region.
- The U19 Youth League brings together youth teams from the NPFL, NNL, and academies across Nigeria.
- ABS FC’s squad has been preparing for six weeks, playing seven matches ahead of the league’s start.
