By Baba Shehu Oscu, Bauchi
The General Manager, Wikki Tourists Football Club of Bauchi, Hon. Auwalu Babajada has described the just-concluded abridged Premier League as frustrating.
Hon. Babajada stated this in an interaction with sportswriters at SWAN Forum where he said abridged league is frustrating, expenses for the clubs tedious and no value to football development.
He explained that they prepared for the normal round-robin league but the abridged one did not allow players to rest, coaches have no time to strategize and money consuming.
The Wikki boss attributed their dismal performance in the just-concluded abridged league to scarce funds by the previous administration and playing two seasons outside the state, due to inability to put the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium into use.
He said playing outside the state is too expensive in terms of accommodation, feeding, transportation and logistics, in addition to depriving citizens of the state from watching their darling team.
Commenting on general officiating during the league, Babajada commended organisers and Referees Appointment Committee for doing a great job towards improving the league as must-win at home is now a history in the Nigerian league.
He said as a result of the improvement in the league, Wikki were held to a draw at home and they secured away points and urged them to maintain the tempo.
“By so doing, our league will be respected, people will be encouraged to watch the league once there is good officiating,” he noted.
Babajada assured that the management of the team is ready to improve on the performance and commended the players and technical crew for remaining in the elite division and the only team that survived relegation in the North-East zone.
