Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bauchi State Chapter has called for a probe of the dissolved management of the Wikki Tourists Football Club over poor performance of the team despite financial and administrative support from the state government.
SWAN, while reacting to the dissolution of the Management Committee by Governor Bala Mohammed, said that the action was commendable while calling for thorough investigation.
The Association in a statement by its Chairman and Secretary: Bala Bawaji and Elizabeth Kah, said that it is disappointing that the Club performed poorly and fell into relegation in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, 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.
It 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.
The journalists identified some factors including alleged match fixing, players’ poor welfare package, relations between the supervising ministry and the club and other financial status that are obviously responsible for the club’s relegation to the NNL.
The Association noted that the Bauchi State Government fulfilled its obligations to the club, especially increasing its 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.
