Chairman of Wikki Tourists FC, Salmanu Abubakar, has assured supporters that the club will bounce back stronger despite suffering relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League at the end of the 2025/2026 season.
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Sports247 reports that in a statement released in Bauchi following the conclusion of the campaign, the chairman admitted the emotional pain surrounding the club’s relegation but emphasized that the season also revealed resilience, sacrifice, and hope for the future.
Salmanu Abubakar explained that he assumed leadership of the club in January 2026 during one of the most difficult periods in the club’s history, inheriting challenges related to instability, poor results, and pressure both on and off the pitch.
The chairman also reflected on one of the season’s major turning points — the resignation of former Technical Adviser Abdu Maikaba following tensions surrounding the controversial 4-4 league clash against Katsina United FC. He noted that the incident brought heavy scrutiny and psychological challenges to the team.
Following Maikaba’s departure, management appointed Evans Ogenyi in an effort to stabilize the club and revive survival hopes, though results eventually failed to favour the Bauchi Elephants.
Despite the setback, the chairman praised several positives from the campaign, including the excellent performance of the club’s feeder team, which currently boasts the best defensive record within the developmental structure and remains close to promotion.
He also highlighted the remarkable season of Jonathan James Naisa, popularly known as Mairiga, who finished as the NPFL’s top scorer despite naturally playing as an attacking midfielder.
The statement also paid tribute to late defender Kabiru Mohammed, who tragically lost his life in a motor accident after featuring in the club’s Federation Cup fixture. The club confirmed that his jersey number 29 would be immortalized in his honour.
Salmanu Abubakar concluded by urging supporters to remain united and hopeful, insisting that Wikki Tourists FC would rebuild and fight its way back to the top flight.
