In a powerful show of commitment to sports development and youth empowerment, former Senate President and the Proprietor of ABS FC Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, sponsored several football stakeholders, mostly youth groups from Kwara State and other parts of Nigeria to Morocco, to support the Super Eagles at the 2025 AFCON.
The initiative, which underscored Saraki’s long-standing passion for sports and youth development, saw dozens of young sports enthusiasts and administrators travel to North Africa to witness the continent’s biggest football spectacle and lend their voices to Nigeria’s quest for glory.
Among those who benefited directly from Saraki’s personal sponsorship was the Chairman of ABS FC, Mr. Seni Saraki, who led members of the club’s management team alongside selected players.
Their presence not only boosted the morale of the national team but also provided invaluable exposure for the young footballers, many of whom were experiencing an international football environment for the first time.
In addition to the ABS FC contingent, other beneficiaries were drawn from youth groups and sports enthusiast circles across Kwara State and beyond. This larger delegation was coordinated by Comrade Adio Odunjo, who led the supporters’ groups in an organized and spirited show of solidarity for the Super Eagles.
The sponsorship was structured in three batches, ensuring sustained Nigerian presence and support throughout the latter stages of the tournament.
Some of the delegates traveled for the semi-final matches, others for the third-place playoff, while a final group was sponsored to witness the grand finale. This phased arrangement allowed Saraki’s support to resonate across the most critical moments of the competition.
Adding further prestige to the experience, Dr. Saraki himself was on ground in Morocco, where he was spotted alongside former Arsenal Manager, Arsène Wenger, Arsenal legend David Dein, and other notable figures in global football.
His presence among such distinguished personalities reinforced his standing as a respected sports advocate beyond Nigeria’s borders.
A known sports enthusiast and administrator, Saraki has consistently invested in grassroots and professional football development, with ABS FC Ilorin serving as a flagship of his vision. Through the club and similar initiatives, he has remained committed to nurturing young talents and providing platforms for them to grow.
Several of the beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, describing the trip as life-changing. They commended Saraki for his uncommon generosity and unwavering belief in the power of sports to inspire, unite, and empower young people.
“This is more than football,” one of the youths remarked. “It is about hope, exposure, and believing that our dreams matter.”
Through this bold and thoughtful gesture, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki once again demonstrated that beyond politics, his heart beats strongly for sports, youth development, and the future of Nigerian football.
