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, which resulted in relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL) just a year after returning to the Premier League.
SWAN 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 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.
According to SWAN, identifying some factors including alleged match fixing, players poor welfare package, relations between supervising ministry and the club as well as other financial status that are obviously responsible for the club relegation to the NNL. This is essential in preventing a recurrence.
The Association noted that the Bauchi State Government fulfilled its obligations to the club especially increasing it’s monthly allocation and, in a last effort to avoid relegation, constituted a Rescue Team during the closing stages of the season to complement the work of the management committee.
However, despite these interventions, the club failed to retain its NPFL status.
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 Nigeria National League 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.
The Association 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 Nigeria Premier Football League, as contained in a statement jointly signed by Bala Bawaji, Chairman and Elizabeth Kah, Secretary, made available to Journalists on Sunday.
