Coach Festus Allen rejoins ABS FC, ready for his official presentation in Lagos

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

The decision was made 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 formed technical agreement, coach Festus Allen will lead the team alongside coach Joel Ogundeji who has been elevated to the position of head coach. Coach Aremu Solihu, popularly known as Champion, will serve as the first assistant coach while Abdulrahman Bashir will remain as a trainee of the team.

The restructure also saw the departure of coach Adeyinka Salaudeen and coach Tunde, who stepped aside following the reshuffle.

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

The club further revealed that Coach Allen will be formally introduced at a special ceremony in Lagos, the date and venue of which will be announced in the coming days.

For Allen, the appointment represents a homecoming of sorts. The experienced coach began his career as a professional coach with ABS Ilorin FC and has since built an impressive resume in the Nigerian football landscape.

Over the years, he has managed 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 most experienced football coaches in the country.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for ABS Ilorin FC and Sports Flames Communication to celebrate the Director of Football, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, at his recent 50/50 anniversary celebration, which attracted dignitaries from all 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 of grassroots and elite football initiatives in Kwara State and beyond.

With preparations for the new campaign already gaining momentum, the return of coach Festus Allen marks the beginning of a new era for ABS Ilorin FC, as the club looks to re-establish itself among the leading forces in Nigerian football and face a serious challenge in the 2026/2027 Nigerian National League (NNL) season.