Winning Debut: How Coach Ogundeji Joel Begins ABS Ilorin FC Journey With A Victory
Winning Debut: How Coach Ogundeji Joel Begins ABS Ilorin FC Journey With a
A Victory
There are few better ways for a coach to announce himself than with a hard-earned victory, and that was exactly what Acting Head Coach Ogundeji Joel achieved in his first game in charge of ABS Ilorin FC.
The 2–1 triumph over Mighty Jets in a Matchday 8 fixture of the Nigeria National League was more than just three points—it was a statement of intent.
Taking over at a delicate stage of the season, Ogundeji understood the importance of setting the right tone.
His players responded almost immediately. Within four minutes, Danjuma Mutalubi rose highest to nod home Mujeeb Atoyebi’s well-delivered ball, giving the home crowd in Ilorin an early reason to believe. It was the kind of bright start every new manager hopes for—energetic, decisive, and purposeful.
Yet the match was far from straightforward. Mighty Jets fought back and found their equaliser midway through the first half when Kamal Sikiru converted a free kick from the edge of the area. For a moment, the visitors threatened to disrupt what was shaping into a perfect debut for the new coach.
But this ABS side showed resilience—something Ogundeji would later highlight as a key takeaway from his first outing. Before halftime, Ayoku Abdulrahman restored the lead, calmly finishing after being played through by Shedrack David. The goal not only re-established control but also underlined the team’s ability to respond under pressure.
The second half tested ABS’s defensive discipline. Mighty Jets pressed for another equaliser, pushing bodies forward and probing for weaknesses.
However, the Ilorin side held firm, demonstrating organisation and commitment—qualities that reflect a team keen to impress a new man at the helm.
For Ogundeji Joel, the result represented more than a positive start to the second stanza of the campaign. It was a personal milestone. A first match in charge can often define early perceptions, and guiding the team to victory provided both confidence and credibility.
His satisfaction afterward was evident, as he praised the players’ character, discipline, and adherence to instructions.
Individual brilliance also played its part.
Danjuma Mutalubi’s overall display, capped by the opening goal, earned him the ABS/Jenik Logistics Player of the Match award—an accolade that symbolised the collective effort behind the win.
As ABS prepare for their next league fixture in Kano, the focus will shift to consistency. But for now, Ogundeji Joel can reflect on a winning debut that not only returned the club to positive momentum but also signaled the beginning of a new chapter built on belief, structure, and ambition.
