… appoints Haruna Bako as sole administrator
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has dissolved the management committee of Wikki Tourists Football Club following the team’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The governor also approved the appointment of former Bauchi State Director of Sports, Alhaji Haruna Bako, as the club’s interim sole administrator pending the constitution of a new management.
The decision was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, who said the action followed the club’s poor performance during the 2025/2026 NPFL season, which ended with its relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL).
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Government cites poor performance
According to the statement, Governor Mohammed approved the dissolution after a comprehensive review of the club’s performance and the various interventions introduced by the state government to help Wikki Tourists retain their top-flight status.
“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,” the statement said.
The government noted that it provided financial and administrative support to the club throughout the season to improve its competitiveness.
It added that a rescue team was also established during the closing stages of the campaign to work alongside the management committee in a bid to prevent relegation.
“Unfortunately, these interventions did not produce the desired outcome, as the Club was ultimately relegated,” the statement added.
Haruna Bako takes over
The newly appointed sole administrator, Haruna Bako, has been directed to immediately take charge of the club’s affairs.
His responsibilities include overseeing the handover of the club’s operations, assets, records and liabilities, while beginning reforms aimed at preparing Wikki Tourists for the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League season.
Government targets immediate return
The Bauchi State Government thanked the outgoing management committee, led by Salmanu Abubakar, for its service to the club and wished its members success in their future endeavours.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to restoring Wikki Tourists to the NPFL.
Founded in 1992, Wikki Tourists are one of northern Nigeria’s most established football clubs and have spent several seasons in the country’s top division.
The club has also represented Nigeria in continental competitions and reached the final of the Federation Cup in 1998. Its latest relegation marks another setback as it seeks a return to the NPFL.
