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Tag: Wikki Tourists

  • Maikaba optimistic despite Wikki Tourists’ defeat in  Jos

    Maikaba optimistic despite Wikki Tourists’ defeat in  Jos

    Wikki Tourists head coach Abdu Maikaba has admitted his side is going through a difficult spell following their 1–0 loss to Plateau United in Jos.

    Despite dominating large portions of the match, Wikki Tourists failed to convert their chances and were punished early in the second half.

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     “We are in a difficult moment,” Maikaba said after the encounter. “We played well, created chances, but couldn’t take them.”

    The coach, however, remained optimistic that his team would overcome their struggles with improved finishing and focus despite slipping to the relegation zone in the 17th spot with 23 points.

  • Wikki Tourists part ways with four players

    Wikki Tourists part ways with four players

    Wikki Tourists Football Club has announced a mutual separation from four players as preparations intensify for the second half of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

    The players released are forward Lewis Dadong, left-back Philip David Johnson, centre-back Edward Lawrence Agbor, and midfielder Uche Onwuasonaya.

    According to the club, the decision forms part of a broader plan to refresh the squad and strengthen the team ahead of the crucial second phase of the season.

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    The management believes the move will create room for new additions as the Bauchi-based side pushes forward with renewed focus and ambition.

    Wikki Tourists expressed appreciation to the departing players for their commitment and professionalism during their time at the club, wishing them success in their future careers.

    With the slogan “New chapter, same ambition,” the club reaffirmed its determination to improve performances and achieve its season objectives.

  • Sanctioned Wikki Tourists embark on 10-day break

    Sanctioned Wikki Tourists embark on 10-day break

    Players of Wikki Tourists have embarked on a 10 day break ahead of their return to the top tier Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL 2025/26 season.

    The recess is following the team’s successful campaign in the second tier Nigeria National League NNL where they secured one of the available top-flight tickets at the 2024/24 promotional playoffs.

    Chairman of Wikki Engr. Auwal Gotel, declared the break during a celebratory dinner held in Bauchi with players, technical crew, and key stakeholders in attendance.

     “The team has achieved its main goal, a well-deserved return to the NPFL.

     “This short break is to help the players recover after a demanding season and come back stronger for the challenges ahead,” he  stated.

    The players are expected to resume training on 25 July 2025, ahead of the new NPFL season which kicks off on 22 August.

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    Meanwhile, the Nigeria National League (NNL) has  heavily fined Wikki Tourists totalling ₦3.75 million following a series of disruptive and violent incidents during their Match No. 13 encounter with Warri Wolves FC in the just ended 2024/2025 Super 8 promotion playoffs.

    The heated fixture took place on July 12, 2025, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

    According to  a signed  letter by Danlami Alanana, the Chief Operating officer of the League , sent to both the Bauchi State Football Association and Wikki Tourists FC,  the behaviour of the team’s  supporters and officials was described as “unruly” and “below standard.”

    The report noted multiple instances where fans threw objects at Assistant Referee II and onto the pitch, creating a hostile environment for officials, players, and spectators alike.

    The situation worsened after the final whistle when supporters of Wikki Tourists reportedly invaded the pitch in a bid to confront match officials and staff of the NNL. The ensuing chaos brought fear and panic across the stadium, including among dignitaries in attendance, tarnishing the image of what was meant to be a high-profile playoff fixture.

    In response to the disturbances, the NNL invoked Articles 16.1.1 and 27.1 of its regulatory framework, issuing the following sanctions:

                    •             ₦1,000,000 fine for general disturbances by officials and supporters.

                    •             ₦2,000,000 fine for intimidation, harassment, object-throwing, and pitch invasion.

                    •             ₦750,000 fine for damage to stadium facilities, including pitch panels and advertising banners.

    The league has given Wikki Tourists FC a 24-hour window to either accept the sanctions or submit an appeal.

     “The actions of your supporters really jeopardized the beauty and glamour of a reputable final of the competition of that magnitude,” said NNL Chief Operating Officer, Danlami Alanana, in a strongly worded notice.

  • NNL Super 8: Wikki Tourists won’t give up yet on  NPFL ticket, says Maikaba

    NNL Super 8: Wikki Tourists won’t give up yet on  NPFL ticket, says Maikaba

    Wikki Tourists head coach, Abdu Maikaba says his players’ profligacy has been a concern but warned that the Giant Elephants would fight until the end in their determination to seal a spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League next season.

    Wikki Tourists will face Yobe Desert Stars in a battle between two unbeaten teams  tomorrow in the last group game of the ongoing Nigeria National League Super Eight in Asaba in a must win tie for the Bauchi based side.

    Maikaba who expressed his reservation about the second half performance of the match officials in the game but he expressed his frustration at the amount of scoring chances his boys have frittered away in their past two games.

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    Stating that he would make the necessary adjustments before their game with Yobe Desert Stars on Thursday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

    “We played to win. We created a lot of chances but we squandered all the chances. I am not happy about that. We will try to make some adjustments before the last group game knowing that a win can take us to the NPFL,” Maikaba told journalists in Asaba.

    “I am not happy about the officiating. The match officials were taken side especially in the second half.

    “I want to finish first and we shall do all we can do to achieve that.

    “I have done a lot. It is a continuous process. We did it before the game and we have now found out the problem still persists and we shall go back to correct it.”

    Wikki Tourists are joint second in Group A with two points after two games.

  • Wikki Tourists receive  royal blessing for NNL Super Eight:

    Wikki Tourists receive  royal blessing for NNL Super Eight:

    Wikki Tourists has received royal blessings and firm support from the Emir of Bauchi, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu as part of their preparations for the Nigeria National League Super Eight playoff.

    The team got the blessing when the club’s delegation, led by its Chairman, Engineer Auwal Gotal visits the Emir at his palace in Bauchi.

    The visit was part of the club’s engagement with key stakeholders  aimed at seeking moral, spiritual, and communal support as the team prepares for the decisive playoff that will determine its return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

    In his remarks, the Emir lauded the club for its efforts and resilience throughout the season, noting that Wikki Tourists FC is not just a football team but a symbol of pride and unity for Bauchi State.

    Read Also: Bauchi sacks Wikki Tourists interim chairman

    He emphasized that the club rightly belongs in the topflight NPFL and called on all stakeholders to rally behind the team.

    Earlier, Gotal thanked the Emir for always being a pillar of support to the team.

    He informed the royal father that the purpose of the visit was to officially notify him of the club’s qualification for the Super Eight and to seek his fatherly advice, prayers, and continued encouragement.

    The Chairman, on behalf of the team, presented a specially prepared Wikki Tourists FC souvenir to the Emir as a token of appreciation and respect.

    This visit to Emir of Bauchi was one of the several strategic engagements by Wikki Tourists FC as it intensifies preparations for the NNL Super Eight Playoff scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta State as from this weekend with promotion to the top division as the ultimate goal.

  • Wikki, Barau secure tickets to NNL Super 8

    Wikki, Barau secure tickets to NNL Super 8

    Action was yesterday concluded in Conference C of NNL with the duo of Wikki Tourists of Bauchi and newcomers, Barau FC of Kano, making it to the Super 8.

    While Wikki Tourists landed in the Super 8 in style beating Zamfara United by 4-1, Barau FC secured the Super 8 ticket after holding Mighty Jet to an away goalless draw.

    Wikki finished top of Conference C with 23 points while Barau came second with 19 points.

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    The heavy defeat suffered by Zamfara United against Wikki saw them bidding bye to NNL as they finished at the bottom of the log. Though they finished on the same points with Jigawa, the later survived courtesy of a superior goals difference.

    Earlier in Group D, Yobe Desert Stars of Damaturu and Doma FC of Gombe qualified for the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8.

    Attention in the league will now shift to Conferences A and B where there are four more weeks of action ahead of the season ending Super 8.

  • Maikaba returns  to Wikki Tourists

    Maikaba returns  to Wikki Tourists

    Wikki Tourist have unveiled Abdu Maikaba as the head coach of the club for the second time ahead of their participation in the 2024-25 Nigeria National League season.

    The Tourists missed the opportunity to secure a promotion to the elite division last season after their third-place finish in the regular season.

    After a close shave from qualification to the elite division, the management of the club has nursed the ambition of returning to the Premier League next season and the former Kano Pillars and Rangers coach is  seen as the ideal person for the job having performed during his first stint between 2014-2016 season.

    The deal has been agreed earlier in the week but the official unveiling was done yesterday.

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    While speaking during his unveiling, the veteran coach maintained he has unfinished business at the club

    “Wikki Tourists gave me a solid platform to be where I am today,” Maikaba said. “I started a solid project with Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, I am here to finish the project”

     “The unfinished business is to reactivate that platform that I set 10 years ago, where, Wikki Tourists finished 4th and 3rd  in 2014 and 2015 respectively, and we featured in the CAF Confederation Cup.”

  • Bauchi sacks Wikki Tourists interim chairman

    Bauchi sacks Wikki Tourists interim chairman

    The Bauchi State Government has terminated the appointment of the Chairman of the Interim Management Team of WIkki Tourists Football Club, Aminu Umar, with immediate effect.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria National (NNL) side was alleged to have been sacked for serious misconduct which contravened the clear instructions and guidelines provided for the proper management of the club.

    Some of the allegations against the chairman include borrowing funds without due approvals, making appointments without adhering to due process, and a failure to accept and rectify mistakes after receiving warnings.

    The termination of appointment was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ministry Commissioner, Muhammed Salis, on Wednesday, October 11.

    The statement partly reads “It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of our decision to terminate your role as the Interim Chairman of Wikki Tourists Football Club, effective immediately today (Wednesday).

    Read Also:Bauchi sacks Wikki Tourists’ interim chairman

    “Your appointment as interim chairman was a testament to our belief in your ability to steer the club in the right direction.

    “However, we have observed a series of actions that regrettably contravene the clear instructions and guidelines provided for the proper management of the club.

    “These violations include but are not limited to, borrowing funds without due approvals, making appointments without adhering to due process, a failure to accept and rectify mistakes after receiving warnings.

    “The actions compromise the transparency, accountability, and effective governance we expect within the club. As a result, we are left with no choice but to terminate your interim chairmanship.”

    The Bauchi government approved the constitution of the new interim committee headed by Umar on August 28, following the crisis that hit the club recently, which led to the dissolution of the former management in July.

    When contacted, the dismissed Umar said he would grant an interview to the press at the right time.

  • Bauchi sacks Wikki Tourists’ interim chairman

    Bauchi sacks Wikki Tourists’ interim chairman

    Bauchi state government has terminated the appointment of the chairman of the Interim Management Team of Wikki Tourists Football Club, Aminu Umar, with immediate effect.

    The chairman of the Nigeria National League side was alleged to have been sacked for serious misconduct which contravened the clear instructions and guidelines provided for the proper management of the club.

    Some of the allegations the Chairman was indicted for include borrowing funds without due approvals, making appointments without adhering to due process, and a failure to accept and rectify mistakes after receiving warnings.

    The termination of appointment was disclosed in a statement issued by the Ministry Commissioner, Muhammed Salis, on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

    The statement partly read: “It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of our decision to terminate your role as the Interim Chairman of Wikki Tourists Football Club, effective immediately today (Wednesday).

    “Your appointment as interim chairman was a testament to our belief in your ability to steer the club in the right direction.

    “However, we have observed a series of actions that regrettably contravene the clear instructions and guidelines provided for the proper management of the club.

    Read Also: Wikki Tourists get interim management

    “These violations include but are not limited to, borrowing funds without due approvals, making appointments without adhering to due process, a failure to accept and rectify mistakes after receiving warnings.

    “The actions compromise the transparency, accountability, and effective governance we expect within the club. As a result, we are left with no choice but to terminate your interim chairmanship.”

    Nation recalls that the state government approved the constitution of the new interim committee headed by Umar on August 28 2023 following the crisis that hit the club recently, which led to the dissolution of the former management in July

    When contacted by our reporter, Umar said he would grant an interview to the press at the right time.

  • Wikki Tourists get interim management

    Wikki Tourists get interim management

    • Commissioner  decries state of sports facilities

    The Bauchi State Government has approved the constitution of the new interim Management Committee for Wikki Tourists Football Club.

    Nation reports that the new interim Management will oversee the National League (NNL) side, following the sack of the previous management in July.

    The constitution of the Interim Management is contained in a statement yesterday and signed by the Information Officer of the state’s Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Bashir Shehu.

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    The management team comprises five members – Aminu Umar as Chairman with three others namely Alhassan Mohammed, Dauda Choma, and Umar Said serving as members while Sa’adu Chadi is the Secretary.

    According to the statement, the move underscores the government’s commitment to revitalize and strengthen the operations of the state’s cherished football institution.

    “The newly appointed interim management team is composed of highly experienced and dedicated professionals, each bringing a wealth of expertise in various aspects of football management.

    “Their collective skills are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the club’s future endeavors, from player development to administrative efficiency”

    “With the backing of the state government and the newly appointed interim management, the club is poised to embark on a journey of rejuvenation and growth.” The statement reads

    Bauchi commissioner decries deplorable state of sports facilities

    In a related development, Bauchi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Muhammad Salees has condemned the deplorable state of sports facilities in the State.

    Salees who stated this after inspecting sport facilities yesterday in Bauchi, said that government was committed to restore the lost glory of sports in the state.

    The facilities inspected included the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa stadium, games village, multipurpose indoor sports hall, swimming pool, Basketball and tennis courts among others.

    He said that the inspection was aimed at identifying dilapidated facilities with the view to rehabilitating them.

    “The facilities are in a real sorry state. When you look at the facilities you will say Bauchi is blessed.

    “We are blessed in such a way that no state in this country has the facilities we have in terms of sports.

    “We have a roadmap of 2023 -2027 in line with Gov. Bala Mohammed`s vision for Sport,” he said.

    The commissioner said that government would treat sports as an investment for the state.

    He said that sport was one of the number one revenue earners in the world.

    Salees said that sports facilities in the state were in a state of diagnoses and when critically assessed, the gaps would be identified and rectified.