Allen makes second 'missionary' journey to ABS Ilorin FC in new Technical setup

Coach Allen makes second 'missionary' journey to ABS Ilorin FC in new Technical setup

...To be unveiled in Lagos

ABS Ilorin FC has announced the return of highly respected tactician, Coach Festus Allen, as part of a major restructuring of its technical department ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

The decision was reached today Sunday July 5, 2026, during a strategic planning meeting between the club and its management partners, Sports Flames Communication, held at the Henry George Hotel, Ilorin, as preparations intensify for a renewed push towards achieving the club's competitive objectives.

Under the newly constituted technical arrangement, Coach Festus Allen will lead the team alongside Coach Joel Ogundeji, who has been elevated to the position of Chief Coach. Coach Aremu Solihu, popularly known as Champion, will serve as First Assistant Coach, while Abdulrahman Bashir has been retained as Team Trainee.

The restructuring also saw the departure of Coach Adeyinka Salaudeen and Coach Tunde, who have stepped aside following the reorganisation.

The club viewed the return of Allen as a significant boost to the team's ambitions, noting that his wealth of experience, proven leadership qualities, and deep understanding of the ABS philosophy make him the ideal figure to spearhead the club's next chapter.

The club further disclosed that Coach Allen will be formally unveiled at a special ceremony in Lagos, with the date and venue to be announced in the coming days.

For Allen, the appointment represents a homecoming of sorts. The experienced Manager began his professional coaching journey with ABS Ilorin FC and has since built an impressive résumé across the Nigerian football landscape.

Over the years, he has handled several prominent clubs, including Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Bayelsa United, Ranchers Bees of Kaduna, Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, MFM FC of Lagos, and Gateway FC, earning a reputation as one of the country's most experienced football managers.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for ABS Ilorin FC and Sports Flames Communication to celebrate the Director of Football, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, on his recent 50/50 birthday anniversary celebration, which attracted dignitaries from across the sporting and business communities at Bovina Hotels, Ilorin.

Chief Chukwuemeka was commended for his unwavering commitment to football development, his contributions to ABS Ilorin FC, and his continued support for grassroots and elite football initiatives in Kwara State and beyond.

With preparations for the new campaign already gathering momentum, the return of Coach Festus Allen signals the beginning of a fresh era for ABS Ilorin FC, as the club seeks to re-establish itself among the leading forces in Nigerian football and mount a serious challenge in the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.