By Nasiru Ibrahim
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bauchi State Chapter, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the factors that led to the relegation of Wikki Tourists Football Club from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), saying a thorough review is necessary to prevent a recurrence.
The call came as the association endorsed the Bauchi State Government’s decision to dissolve the club’s Management Committee following Wikki Tourists’ relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL) at the end of the 2025/2026 season.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Bala Bawaji, and Secretary, Elizabeth Kah, SWAN described the dissolution of the management committee as a timely intervention that would pave the way for the restructuring of the club.
The association urged the state government to institute an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the club’s disappointing campaign. It said the probe should examine issues relating to the club’s financial management, players’ welfare, the relationship between the supervising ministry and the club’s management, as well as allegations of match-fixing and any other factors that may have contributed to the team’s relegation.
SWAN noted that the Bauchi State Government had provided considerable financial and administrative support to the club throughout the season, including an increase in its monthly allocation and the establishment of a Rescue Team during the closing stages of the campaign in a bid to avert relegation. Despite those interventions, the club failed to retain its NPFL status.
The association also welcomed the appointment of former Bauchi State Director of Sports, Alhaji Haruna Bako, as Interim Sole Administrator of Wikki Tourists, expressing confidence in his ability to reposition the club ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League season.
It urged the new administrator to ensure a transparent handover process by taking stock of the club’s assets, liabilities, financial records and contractual obligations, while implementing reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, professionalism and competitiveness.
SWAN expressed optimism that with effective leadership, institutional reforms and sustained government support, Wikki Tourists would regain promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
