By Aderonke Ojo
Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC forward, Danjuma Mutalubi, is confident his side will return to winning ways when they face Mighty Jets in their Nigeria National League (NNL) 2025/2026 second-stanza opener on Saturday, February 14.
ABS FC head into the clash on the back of three consecutive defeats to close out the first round, but Mutalubi believes the team has put that disappointing run behind them and is fully focused on a positive restart.
The forward, who started six of the club’s seven games in the first stanza, said the players have held internal discussions about their ambitions and remain convinced their targets for the season are still within reach.
“We didn’t end the first half well. We’ve spoken to ourselves about our ambition this season and we are confident that it is still achievable,” he told the club’s media.
He added that the team is determined to begin the second phase with a statement result.
“We want to start well against Mighty Jets with a victory and then build on it in our subsequent matches,” he said.
Mutalubi acknowledged the challenge posed by the Jos-based side but expressed faith in the team’s preparation.
“Mighty Jets are a strong side, but we are putting in the work in training and, insha’Allah, come Saturday we will come out victorious,” he added.
The forward also urged the club’s supporters to turn out in large numbers to cheer the team.
ABS FC lost the reverse fixture 3–0 in December and will be aiming for revenge when Mighty Jets visit Ilorin. The Saraki Boys currently sit fifth in the conference standings with nine points, while Mighty Jets are bottom with six points.