By Adamu Imam, Bauchi
BAUCHI — The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Bauchi State Chapter, has commended the state government for dissolving the management committee of Wikki Tourists Football Club following the team’s disappointing performance in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season.
This was contained in a press release issued to newsmen on Sunday.
The sports writers described the government’s action as timely and necessary, saying it demonstrates a strong commitment to repositioning the club, restoring public confidence, and creating the right foundation for Wikki Tourists’ immediate return to the elite division of Nigerian football.
The statement further explained that the action was a result of the team’s poor performance and a lack of management commitment, which led to relegation to the Nigeria National League, NNL, just a year after returning to the Premier League.
However, the association also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the club’s poor performance despite the financial and administrative support provided by the state government throughout the season.
SWAN identified some of the factors to include alleged match-fixing, poor players’ welfare package, poor relations between the supervising ministry and the club, as well as other financial issues that were responsible for the club’s relegation to the NNL. The association said such an investigation is essential to preventing 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 complement the work of the management committee.
Furthermore, SWAN welcomed the appointment of former Bauchi State Director of Sports, Alhaji Haruna Bako, as the Interim Sole Administrator of Wikki Tourists Football Club, expressing confidence in his experience and ability to reposition the club ahead of the forthcoming NNL season.
The association 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 regain its place in the NPFL.
