By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Ahead of the commencement of the Nigeria National League (NNL) season, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC has unveiled its final selected players in the nationwide Player’s Talent and Development Programme (PTDP), as well as the coaches for the team.

Director of Football the Club, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka speaking during the unveiling of the PTDP players in Ilorin on Thursday, said that the programme is a platform for talented youth to achieve stardom and fight poverty.

“ABS FC is a platform that is supporting the growth of youth in the round leather game. The players will be under the club’s special programme that is being supported by its international partners”. he said

Chukwuemeka also said that the team will train for three months ahead of the Europe tour, as they have been scheduled to visit five countries.

“Apart from the 30 players for the PTDP programme, we have also selected another 30 players for the N-Youth League Cup that will commence in September, as an extended platform”.

While unveiling the Technical Adviser, Sanni Ahmed Sardauna, and the Assistant Coach, Salihu Aremu, Chief Chukwuemeka said that they have been offered a season contract and a mandate to return the team to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

“I want to commend the Proprietor of the club, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, for creating this platform for the youth. I also commend all the Coordinating teams for the PTDP project, and the stakeholders for their support.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Kwara state FA, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa, commended ABS FC for supporting grassroots football, adding that the investment is complementary to the efforts of the FA in the development of football.

The Coordinator of ABS FC, Jimoh Bashir, in his remark also charged the players to take advantage of the opportunity, and remain disciplined.

The Consultant for the project, Shogo Shodunnke, for his part insaid the programme aimed to give hope to the hopeless through football, as well as humanity, adding that football is presently the shortest pathway to greatness for the youth.

Speaking after being unveiled as the Technical Adviser of ABS FC, Coach Sardauna pledged to justify the consideration, even as he called for the support of all in achieving the set goals.

Speaking on behalf of the other PTDP players, Henry Christopher, described the project as a commendable effort and a thing of joy to them and their families.