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Wikki Tourists FC Bauchi squad
By Akanji Alowolodu, Gombe
One of the matches of day 35 of the Nigeria Professional Football League #npfl22 season was between Gombe United FC and Wikki Tourists FC decided at the Pantami stadium, Gombe Sunday evening.
Christened North-East derby considering the age-long rivalry between the two clubs, the match was full of tactical display by both the players on the pitch and their Coaches on the bench.
Gombe United who were in Bauchi in the first round of the league and lost by a lone goal opened scores in the 34′ of the game when Ibrahim Yahaya benefitted from a crossing from the right flank and slot in the goal putting Gombe on the driving seat.
Four minutes later, at 38′, Victor Okoro equalized for Wikki Tourists FC when he took an unexpected shot which caught Gambo Gideon in the net for Gombe who was metres out of his net,putting scores at 1-1 till end of first half.
On resumption into the second half, both teams made new introductions.
Gombe United’s Ahmed Jimoh was on hand in the 68′ and headed home the second goal for his side from a corner kick finding almost an empty net as Wikki Tourists failed to properly cover their net.
Soon after, the Gombe United in an attempt to frustrate the Wikki players as they mounted pressure for an equaliser and ensure they escape with the 3points, resorted to a delay tactics.
At exactly 89′, Ismail Maiyaki got what could have been an equaliser for Wikki Tourists from a free kick and Assistant Referee awarded it but was cancelled by the referee.
The match was temporarily stopped following a protest by Wikki Tourists FC players on the goal scored but their protest was not heeded.
The match finally ended 2-1 at 90’+3′.
In a post match reaction, Coach Abdullahi Adamu of WIkki Tourists FC said that “It was a good match for my team because the boys played to our instructions” .
He added that, “Unfortunately a good goal was scored but denied by the referee which was very disheartening.I think the organizers should be more vigilant on the performance of match officials so that the league can be more attractive” .
The coach added that, “We are going back home to prepare for our next match at home with Akwa United next week. The league is gradually coming an end and hope to finish in a comfortable position,but you know it’s not over until it’s over”.
WIkki line up:
Alladoum, Salisu, Mustapha, Shafiu, Fu’ad, Murtala, Victor, Prince Abdulmutallif, Dawa, Guda
Unused reserves
Galadima.Nelson,Ibrahim, Salisu, Evans.
WIkki Tourists will welcome Akwa United on Sunday 3/7/2022 in Bauchi.
