By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has been urged to as a matter of urgency, take a decisive action to salvage the state owned Wikki Tourists FC from its current precarious situation.
The call was made by the State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Bala Bawaji and Secretary, Elizabeth Kah.
SWAN, in the statement raised serious concern over the current situation in Wikki Tourists Football Club, warning that the club is passing through some major challenges.
According to SWAN, despite the huge investment by the State Government under the leadership of Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the team is currently struggling and sitting 17th on the league table in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) which is not good to any sports loving person in the state.
The Association attributed the poor performance to issues such as neglect of players welfare, alleged management crisis, internal conflicts, and selfish interests among some individuals within the club’s structure.
SWAN strongly condemned actions capable of sabotaging the team’s progress, noting that the situation recently escalated when players reportedly boycotted training over unpaid allowances.
The Association warned that if urgent steps are not taken, the club could face the danger of relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL) which we are not praying for it.
SWAN therefore called on Governor Bala Mohammed to urgently intervene by setting up an independent rescue committee made up of experienced and non-partisan football administrators to rescue the club and ensure proper accountability.
The Association stressed that the supporters of Wikki Tourists, popularly known as the “Giant Elephants,” deserve better consideration, especially considering the significant financial commitment of the Bauchi State Government to the club.
SWAN added that it is time for all stakeholders to put aside their differences, unite, and work collectively to rescue the team and restore its pride in Nigerian football by ensuring the club regain its lost glory.
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