Alloy Chukwuemeka, is a household name in Nigerian League. The General Manager of Abubakar Bukoola Saraki Football Club (ABS FC) recently spoke on the challenges facing the club and the task ahead. Below are excerpts:
The first round has ended. Are you satisfied with the performance of ABS FC?
I think that assessment should be based on the fact that we have to look at how we commenced the first round. We commenced the first round after losing 24 players to other clubs, and started all over again. But for ABS FC to have survived’ and are still winning matches clearly shows that the team is built on a solid structure. And that structure was what has kept the club, coupled with the support of the Chairman and Proprietor of the club, Distinguished Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON).
So far, for a team to encounter such a huge challenge, and raised a team within a short time, and compete in the League, it goes a long way to dictate our determination at ABS FC. We are among one of the few clubs that won away matches as well as play away draws.
We must also commend the commitment of the players and coaches, the management and the Supporters Club. We thank God for that.
Asides that, we were able to manage the exit of our coach, Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo, which was another major problem we faced. But the elevation we were able to come up with has made a positive difference.
What are the changes expected ahead of the commencement of the second round?
Yes…… I think we are expecting changes. Last Tuesday, we had our management and technical meeting with the coaches and players. Apart from that, we shall review the first round report of the coaches. Through that, we will know what and what to do. After that, we will come up with a programme, and that will be done as soon as possible because we don’t have time. We only have two weeks, and within those two weeks, we should be able to look at their report, know what to do….so that we can prepare well for the second round.
With the first round results, are you reviewing your target for the season?
If you look at our performances so far, as I earlier said, we were among the few teams that got points away from home, even though we also lost some points at home. With our position, it clearly shows that if we play 15 matches and won all our home matches alone, we will be at the middle of the table. And that is the position we are now. And if you look at the point of the team at the top of the table and the point of the team at the bottom of the table, you will see that the gap is not too much. And ABS FC will have more advantages in the second round, which we would capitalize on, to ensure that our target of promotion is achieved.
How would you describe the Nigeria National League generally?
Yes of course, we have to give kudos to the Nigeria National League (NNL) Board. So far so good, it has not been as bad as it used to be. Like I said, you saw teams winning and playing draw at away. We also drew some matches at home, and it goes to show that the level of officiating and organization in the system is improving, and we believe that the second round will continue that way. So far, its satisfactory.
How about the challenges of running ABS FC?
The team is surviving based on the goodwill of the Distinguished Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON), who has the vision of making the club a brand for other clubs to emulate. It’s based on that platform which we the management are building a structure that will make the team strong, not minding the fact that 99% of the clubs in Nigeria are owned by various governments. The few ones that are owned by the private individuals are going through series of challenges like we all know. And for me, we have to give kudos to Saraki. This is because if the likes of late Chief MKO Abiola, who was then the richest man in Africa could not keep Abiola Babes FC, and the likes of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu could not keep Iwuanyanwu National (Now Heartland FC, and owned by Imo state government), so, Saraki must be commended for keeping ABS FC. Asides that, he has a vision to develop youths through the platform, and to develop the game of football. He has a strong passion for football, and that is what has kept us thus far.
The team has qualified to represent the state in the federation cup. What are the chances and expectations?
Again, I would say that we should be commended for having lost 24 players, and were able to build a team that is winning matches, to the extent of winning the State FA Cup. That shows that it is really a well structured side.
Last year, we reached the quarter-finals of the Federation Cup. This time around, we will make sure we surpass the previous record, and by God’s grace, try to win the trophy.
The technical department of the team was sometimes re-constituted, which saw Coach Yomi Elijah emerging as the Acting Chief Coach. What are we expecting ahead of second round?
That restructuring… people might see it as too radical. But whether we like it or not, it has given stability to the team, and it also improved our performance in terms of playing and cooperation from the players. But that does not take away those coaches who were asked to stay in the office.
From the second round, they would do more than staying in the office by coming closer to the team. But that does not change Coach Yomi been in charge of the team.
What’s your advice to the fans and supporters of the team?
The Supporters and Fans… we want them to continue to support us. We have a very strong fan base across the country. Even outside the country, people are in love with the brand of football we play. We call it digital football. And our Supporters have been with us despite the challenges that we are facing. And everybody is aware of what we are passing through. But we strongly believe that with the commitment of the owners of the club, very soon, those challenges will be a thing of the past.
So, we want our Supporters to keep supporting us to get the club to where we belong, and that’s the Premier League.
