The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Wikki Tourists

  • Wikki Tourists move to close camping

    Wikki Tourists move to close camping

     

    Players and officials of Wikki Tourists have been camped in an undisclosed location in the state ahead of Wednesday’s rescheduled week 30 Nigeria Professional Football League tie against Lobi Stars.

    The bauchi-based club lost 1-0 to FC Ifeanyi Ubah in a week 33 league clash on Sunday in Nnewi and moved straight to camp on their arrival in Bauchi on Monday.

    According to  a club official, the changing in training venue is a way to keep the players and technical crew from being distracted and to get maximum concentration for the match.

    It was also gathered that the club’s chairman, Isa Matori has assured the players of paying their outstanding match bonuses as a way to boost their morale.

    In a chat with SportingLife, the club’s technical adviser, Abdul Maikaba said the team is not losing focus on their title ambition.

    “We deserved a point in the game against IfeanyiUbah but we conceded the goal due to a costly mistake by our defender.  We won’t allow that to distract us, it is a marathon situation now and we have to fight to the end. Lobi Stars’ game is very important and we will prepare well for the game,” Maikaba told SportingLife.

  • Wikki Tourists: Obaje not for sale at any price in Nigeria

    Wikki Tourists: Obaje not for sale at any price in Nigeria

    Wikki Tourists’ chairman, Isa Matori has stressed that they have no intention of selling key players such as Godwin Obaje to any Nigerian club but would welcome a move from European clubs.

    Obaje has been linked with a move away from the Bauchi side because of his prolific start to the NPFL where he has netted 12 goals from 18 matches with Enyimba and FC IfeanyiUbah rumoured to be trailing the striker.

    “It is our goal to qualify for continental competition at the end of the season and Obaje and few other players are among our players who are not for sale at any price to Nigerian clubs. We were very close to picking a ticket to Africa last season but fell short at the last minute.

    “We have learnt from our mistakes and we want to keep all our best players including Obaje who is pivotal to our season’s plans. We can’t sell him to any Nigerian club and be left depleted but we won’t mind selling to a foreign club at the right fee if he is willing to move on,” Matori told SportingLife.

    Matori confirmed to SportingLife that the club would only be making two or three additions to the playing staff with emphasis on the midfield and forwards as they are satisfied with the defence and  goalkeeping departments.

  • Wikki Tourists get money boost

    Wikki Tourists get money boost

    • Receive outstanding match bonuses

    The chairman of Wikki Tourists FC Bauchi, Isa Matori has confirmed that the executive Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, has approved and directed the immediate release and payment of the 2014 /2015 outstanding match bonuses of players and officials of the team.

    Matori made the revelation through the media manager of the club, Usman Abbas Shehu.

    According to him, the gesture was a positive way to motivate, encourage and appreciate the team for there outstanding performance last season where the team finished fourth on the league table.

    SportingLife gathered that the outstanding 10 match bonuses was paid on Friday before the team departed  for Katsina for their first Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game against El-Kanemi Warriors at the Karkanda Stadium, Katsina.

    “His Excellency M.A Abubakar is determined and willing to invest much in the team as long as the players will reciprocate the gesture by giving good results both home and away,” Matori was quoted as saying.

    The chairman, therefore, challenged the technical crew and the players to live up to expectations by justifying the confidence reposed on them by the governor and the sports loving people of Bauchi State.

    “I want to use this opportunity on behalf of the team to express and appreciate the good government of the state for bankrolling the 10 outstanding match bonuses. This will surely motivate the team to start the new season in good note,” he said.

    Matori further explained that the government is also working on some other issues of the management with a view to solving them soon.

  • Wikki Tourists begin seven-day pre-season tourney

    Wikki Tourists begin seven-day pre-season tourney

    As part of efforts to prepare its team for the Glo Premier League slated for February 21, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi will be participating in the first ever pre-season competition in Bauchi State.

    The tournament, which was organised by Wikki Tourist chairman, Isa Matori, was tagged “M.A Abubakar Unity pre-season football tournament”.

    According to Matori, eight teams from Bauchi and Gombe states will participate in the seven days tourney.

    The participating teams are, Wikki Tourists FC, Wunti FC, Zubgai, Wikki Feeders, Kufca FC, Azare, Yankari Babes, ASA United FC and FC Yarimalight FC of Gombe.

    Wikki Tourists FC defeated FC Yarmalight of Gombe by 1-0 in their first game while Wikki feeders beat Zabgai FC 2-0.

    The final will be played on February 17 at the same venue between winners of 13 and runners of 14

    Matori said: “The purpose of this competition is to serve as an opportunity for both teams to test and build a formidable team that will represent the state well in their various categories in the 2015/2016 football season.

    “I hope that at the end of the tournament more hidden talents will be discovered thereby creating an opportunity for exchange of players for economic advantage of the teams which is another reason for organising the tournament in line with Governor M A Abubakar’s concern for youth purposeful future development.”

  • Godwin Obaje returns to Wikki Tourists

    Godwin Obaje returns to Wikki Tourists

    SportingLife can exclusively reveal that Wikki Tourists of Bauchi have beefed up its squad with the signing of Godwin Obaje ahead of the Glo Premier League season.

    Obaje made his second journey to Wikki Tourists after returning from Slovakia side, AS Trencín.

    The younger brother to former Black Leopards and ASO Chief forward Joshua Obaje played for FRSC and Mighty Jets of Jos before his first move to Wikki.

    The club’s Secretary, Hammed Tijjani Suleiman confirmed to SportingLife that Obaje will be among the new players that will resume at the team’s pre-season camping in Kaduna.

    “Obaje is our former player and we are happy to have him back into our team. He is one of our former players that have returned to our team. We have ambition and we are doing everything in ensuring that we have best legs that can compete favourably in the league. Obaje is an experienced player and we are ready to tab from him,” Suleiman told SportingLife.

    “As you are aware that we narrowly missed out on a continental ticket last season and came fourth. We have realised where we need to make some adjustment that is why we are allowing all our players to participate in our pre-season camping in Kaduna.”

    The 19-year-old forward is widely regarded as one of the top talents in the Nigeria Professional Football League and he also trained with the home based Eagles, Under-20 and 23 teams before he travelled to Slovakia.

  • Wikki Tourists offer Maikaba N1.3M monthly salary

    Wikki Tourists offer Maikaba N1.3M monthly salary

    SportingLife can reveal that coach Abdul Maikaba has demanded an improved salary of N1.3million as a condition to sign a new deal with Wikki Tourists.

    It is understood that Maikaba was paid 900, 000 naira monthly salary last season.

    SportingLife reports that Maikaba was in Bauchi on Thursday to have a discussion with the club’s management over the issue.

    Maikaba, who led the Bauchi club to fourth place in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), is believed to have received an offer from Abia Warriors.

    But at a meeting which includes administrative secretary, Tijjani Suleiman, Permanent Secretary, Mohammed Yunusa Mohammed, Maikaba made it known to them that he wants an improved deal for himself and his players.

    He demanded N1.3million for himself while he told club to pay N350, 000 for his players.

    Wikki Tourists players were on a salary cap of 150, 000 as mandated by the League Management Club (LMC).

    But the club will prune down the number of players from 40 to 30 to meet up new salary demand.

    “It was a very special meeting between both parties. Maikaba was in Bauchi and both parties agreed to work together again,” a source told SportingLife.

    “He demanded improved packaged for himself and players which was agreed by the club. But the club’s officials made it clear that they can only pay players’ improved salary if they can reduce the number of players. The 150,000 naira will be for Grade A players.

    “What is important in the meeting was the way both parties handled the issue. 40 players are currently on the club payroll but only 30 will stay for next season to meet club’s economy demands.”

    The club also agreed to pay 12 months outstanding match bonus owed players and officials.

    The former Kano Pillars handler is expected to submit his technical report in two weeks time.

    “I think it will better for him to stay here than to go and start afresh somewhere else since the club is ready to do business with him.”

  • Mubarak Umar’s double seals win for Wikki Tourists

    Mubarak Umar’s double seals win for Wikki Tourists

    • Dedicates goals to Governor Abubakar
    • Bauchi Governor watches Dolphins tie

    Wikki Tourists has brighten its chances of getting continental ticket after a 2-0 win over Dolphins FC of Port-Harcourt at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi on Sunday.

    Two second half goals from Mubarak Umar earned the home side all three points at stake in the competitive match.

    The visitors, who are battling for survival, made life difficult for the coach Abdu Maikaba tutored-side as the first stanza ended goalless.

    The Tourists continued pushing for goals on the resumption of the second half and their efforts paid off when Umar broke the deadlock in the 62nd when he drove home a cool finish off a beautiful interchanges of passes to put smiles in the faces of the home fans who stormed the stadium en-mass to support their darling team.

    Umar added the second goal in the 87th minute to the delight of ecstatic home fans.

    The result lifts Wikki Tourits up to third in the table with 60 points, while Dolphins remain in the relegation zone.

    In a chat with SportingLife after the match, Umar dedicated the goals to the State Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar who was at the stadium to drum support for the team.

    Governor Abubakar watched the match alongside the trio of permanent secretary Bauchi State Youth and Sport, Mallam Yunusa and State Football Association chairman Yahuza Adamu as well as Administrative Secretary and overseer of Wikki Tourists FC Tijjani Sulaiman.

    “It was a tension-soaked match and I thank God that we won the match. It was a boost for us when you have executive Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar at the stadium lending support to us.

    “I was happy when I scored the goals and I commend my teammates for today’s victory. I dedicated the two goals to our governor. We will not get carried away with the win. We will still continue to push for the title,” Umar told SportingLife.

    Meanwhile, Governor Abubakar has promised to break the bank to finance and support Wikki Tourists’ quest for continental ticket.

    The Governor donated sets of sports equipment to the team as he promised to support them to any length.

  • ‘Wikki Tourists no pushovers’

    ‘Wikki Tourists no pushovers’

    Giwa FC striker Charles Okoro has called his side’s five-goal thriller against Wikki Tourists as the their toughest challenge yet this season.

    The Tin City side came from behind twice to beat the Bauchi outfit 3-2 in Wednesday’s top flight match day 35 clash at the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos.

    Ignis Sabo netted the match opener for Wikki Tourists while Saleh Mohammed drew level for the Jos outfit from the penalty spot only for Harrison Madu to put Wikki in front once again. In the end Amos Gyang Danladi’s brace handed the Jos side the three points at stake.

    Okoro said the hard-fought victory against Wikki Tourists has inched his side closer to their dreamed continental campaign next season.

    “We are excited about the victory against Wikki Tourists, we needed the points badly for our continental push.

    “I think the clash against Wikki Tourists was unarguably our toughest match of the ongoing season as we had to come from behind twice to win 3-2.

    “Wikki Tourists actually proved they are no pushovers; they gave us a good fight to remember for a long time to come.

    “We have resolved not to be complacent in the remaining three matches until our lofty dream is realised. We will be heading to our next stop in Owerri to fight Heartland for the three points.

    “Victory in Owerri against Heartland will seal and secure our continental ticket with two matches to go to the end the season,” said the former Dolphins marksman to supersport.com.

  • ‘Wikki Tourists look beyond continental ticket’

    ‘Wikki Tourists look beyond continental ticket’

    The administrative secretary and overseer of Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi  Tijjani Sulaiman, has challenged the team’s technical crew to continue fighting for the league title rather than trying to secure a continental ticket at the end of the season.

    Sulaiman, who spoke through the club’s media manager Usman Abbas Shehu, expressed satisfaction with the outstanding performance of the team’s technical crew led by coach Abdu Maikaba.

    The club’s boss said Maikaba has impacted well on the players which has placed the team in competitive position.

    He urged them to win all their remaining matches so as to give them a chance to win the league.

    “The  good government of Bauchi State under Governor Mohammed Abubakar has assured that it will do everything  possible to ensure that the team presents tested materials that will not only represent Bauchi State but the team that will make Nigerians proud and add value to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari,” Sulaiman said.

    “Our target now is to win the league. We have put all the victories we had from the beginning of the league behind us.  We are starting afresh with full determination and zeal to win all our remaining matches both home and way, starting with FC Taraba this weekend.”                                              SportingLife reports that players and officials of the team are in camp at Zaranda Hotel ,Bauchi since they returned from Aba last week to intensify preparations for the game against FC Taraba.

    “They (players) have been mobilised by boosting their morale for better performance and good finish in the 2014/2015 Glo Premier League season,” he said.

  • LMC sanctions Wikki Tourists, Dolphins’ Coach Eguma

    LMC sanctions Wikki Tourists, Dolphins’ Coach Eguma

    Wikki Tourists FC and Dolphins FC coach, Stanley Eguma have  been charged and levied varying sanctions for breaching sections of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)  Framework and Rules by the League Management Company (LMC) in the latest disciplinary decisions announced on Thursday evening following review of reports of Match Day 22.

    Eguma was found guilty of making unfair criticisms against the match referee and officials of Abia Warriors FC and failing to conduct himself in a professional manner by the League Management Company (LMC) which has consequently cautioned him with a fine and a suspended match ban.

    The coach was subsequently ordered to pay a fine of N200, 000 and placed on a suspended two match ban which will automatically come into effect should he commit similar rule breaches in the course of the 2014/15 league season.

    The LMC ruled that based on a similar breach on Match Day 4 for which the coach was fined N100, 000 and suspended for one match; he has been placed on a probation sentence of double the earlier sanction but can choose to accept the ruling or elect to appear before a commission so far he will communicate his choice in writing to the LMC within 48 hours of the notice of summary jurisdiction.

    Wikki Tourists are being sanctioned for unruly conduct of their fans during and after the Match Day 22 fixture against Nasarawa United that saw the fans throwing objects onto the field, harassing the two teams and stoning the vehicle of the visiting team.

    The LMC’s latest disciplinary measures announced by Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar read, “by virtue of the provisions of article B13.22 (disorder), B13.23 (violent supporters) and B15.16 (club liability for the conduct of its supporters), the Board now intends to exercise its summary jurisdiction and to impose on you the following sanctions.

    “A fine of N500,000, payment of N100,000 as damages to Nasarawa United FC, and playing your next home match (Match Day 24 against Abia Warriors FC on August 19, 2015 behind closed doors (i.e. in the absence of fans)”.

    Abubakar said the LMC is determined to enforce all aspects of the reforms initiated to build a league that meets globally accepted standards and give optimum value to paying fans and commercial partners.

    “We have introduced regulations to make the league safe and attractive to the millions of football loving Nigerians and commercially viable to our investors”, Abubakar said.