Bauchi Governor Mohammed sacks Wikki Tourists FC management, appoints Bako as Sole Administrator
By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
Having led Bauchi State Government-owned Wikki Tourists FC to relegation from the country’s elite football cadre, Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the end of the 2025 /2026, the Management Committee of the Club has been sacked with immediate effect.
The announcement was made by the State Government through a stern statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, as directed by the Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, who expressed displeasure following the Club’s dismal performance which culminated to its relegation to the Nigeria National league (NNL).
The statement reads: “His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Executive Governor of Bauchi State, approved the dissolution after a comprehensive review of the Club’s performance and the various interventions undertaken by the Government to preserve its top-flight status.”
According to him,”The decision reflects the Government’s determination to reposition Wikki Tourists Football Club, restore public confidence in the management of the Club, and lay a solid foundation for its immediate return to the elite division of Nigerian football.”
Gidado stated that, “Throughout the season, the Bauchi State Government provided the Club with the necessary financial and administrative support to enhance its competitiveness and improve its performance.”
He said: “In addition to meeting its obligations to the Club, the Government, as a final effort to avert relegation, constituted a Rescue Team during the closing stages of the season to complement the work of the Management Committee and guide the Club towards survival. Unfortunately, these interventions did not produce the desired outcome, as the Club was ultimately relegated.
“In view of this development and in the overriding interest of the Club, His Excellency has approved the appointment of Alhaji Haruna Bako, former Bauchi State Director of Sports, as the Interim Sole Administrator of Wikki Tourist Football Club pending the constitution of a substantive management,” he added.
The Interim Sole Administrator is expected to immediately assume responsibility for the administration of the Club, oversee the handover of all operations, assets, records, and liabilities, and initiate measures aimed at repositioning the Club for improved performance and a successful campaign in the forthcoming Nigeria National League season.
The Bauchi State Government expressed its appreciation to the outgoing Management Committee, led by Salmanu Abubakar, for the services to the Club and wished its members success in their future endeavours.
The Government assured that it remained firmly committed to the revival of Wikki Tourists Football Club and will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure that the Club regains its status as one of Nigeria’s leading football teams and returns to the Nigeria Premier Football League at the earliest opportunity.
