By Imrana Yakubu Galaje.
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Bauchi State Chapter has commended the Bauchi State Government for dissolving the management committee of Wikki Tourists Football Club following the team’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Wikki Tourists dropped to the Nigeria National League at the end of the 2025/2026 NPFL season, just one year after returning to the top flight.
In a statement, SWAN described the government’s decision as timely and necessary, noting that it shows commitment to repositioning the club, restoring public confidence, and laying the right foundation for an immediate return to the elite division.
The association also called for a thorough investigation into factors that led to the club’s poor performance despite financial and administrative support from the state government during the season.
According to SWAN, issues such as alleged match fixing, poor players’ welfare, the relationship between the supervising ministry and the club, and the club’s financial status must be examined to prevent a recurrence.
The association noted that the Bauchi State Government fulfilled its obligations to the club, including increasing its monthly allocation.
In a last effort to avoid relegation, the government also constituted a Rescue Team during the closing stages of the season to support the management committee. Despite these interventions, the club failed to retain its NPFL status.
SWAN further welcomed the appointment of former Bauchi State Director of Sports, Alhaji Haruna Bako, as the Interim Sole Administrator of Wikki Tourists Football Club. The association expressed confidence in his experience and capacity to reposition the club ahead of the forthcoming NNL season.
It urged the Interim Sole Administrator to ensure a smooth takeover of the club’s operations, assets, records, and liabilities, while implementing reforms that will restore discipline, professionalism, and competitiveness within the team.
SWAN reaffirmed its support for the Bauchi State Government’s commitment to reviving the club and expressed optimism that with the right leadership and reforms, Wikki Tourists Football Club will return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
