Proprietor of ABS Football Club of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has ordered full payment of the 45 per cent balance of last season's sign on fees and other entitlements owed the team.

The team's General Manager, Alloy Chukwuemeka, who disclosed this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, said Saraki believes strongly that the welfare of players should be a topmost priority to achieve excellence and to get the best performances.

Explaining the delay in payment, Chukwuemeka said lack of sponsorship for the Nigeria Premier League affected the club's budget last season when clubs were forced to pay match officials' indemnities, accommodation, feeding and transportation.

While thanking Saraki for his commitment and sacrifice to developing football in the country, the general manager charged the NPL Board to rise up to its responsibility by securing sponsors for the league alongside other challenges facing the league system before the start of the new season.

Meanwhile, ABS FC is planning a two-week close camping in Lokoja, Kogi State ahead of the new season.