ABS Ilorin FC battled to a 0-0 stalemate against Gateway United in an intense Nigeria National League (NNL) match at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode on Saturday, securing their first away point of the season.
The Saraki Boys faced a determined Gateway United side, desperate to climb out of the relegation zone, but ABS Ilorin FC’s resilience shone through in the hard-fought draw.
Head Coach Anthony Encho admitted the match posed significant challenges, emphasizing the difficulty of facing a team with strong home support. “Playing a team battling relegation is very tough,” Encho remarked post-match. “You have to work hard, knowing that your host has a 75% advantage with the crowd behind them.”
The game saw both sides squander chances in a tightly contested battle. Encho noted that after failing to capitalize on opportunities in the first half, he shifted tactics in the second, opting for a defensive approach. “We had some chances we didn’t take, so I had to change my strategy and play defensively,” he explained. “That’s how we managed to secure the one point.”
ABS Ilorin FC’s disciplined defending proved crucial in neutralizing Gateway United’s attacks, ensuring the visitors left with a share of the spoils. Reflecting on the result, Encho called it “difficult” but valuable, given the circumstances.
With their next fixture looming, ABS Ilorin FC will host First Bank next weekend. Encho remains optimistic, placing faith in both divine intervention and his team’s effort. “The next game at home, I leave everything to God,” he said. “He is the only one who can give us victory, but I believe that with hard work, we can get the results we need.”