SWAN Endorses Wikki Tourists Management Dissolution, Calls For Thorough Relegation Probe
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bauchi State chapter, has backed the Bauchi State Government’s decision to dissolve the management committee of Wikki Tourists Football Club following the team’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
In a statement jointly signed by the association’s chairman, Bala Bawaji, and secretary, Elizabeth Kah, SWAN described the action as a necessary step toward rebuilding the club after a disappointing 2025/2026 season.
Wikki Tourists returned to the Nigeria National League (NNL) after spending just one season in the top flight, despite securing promotion to the NPFL the previous year.
According to SWAN, the dissolution of the management committee demonstrates the government’s determination to restore confidence in the club, strengthen its structures and create the foundation for an immediate return to the elite division.
The association also urged the state government to launch a comprehensive investigation into the factors that led to the club’s poor performance. It called for scrutiny of issues such as alleged match-fixing, players’ welfare, financial accountability and the relationship between the club’s management and the supervising ministry.
SWAN stressed that identifying the root causes of the relegation would help prevent future setbacks and ensure lasting reforms within the club.
“The investigation should uncover the factors responsible for the team’s poor performance and recommend measures that will guarantee transparency, accountability and sustainable success,” the statement noted.
The association further acknowledged the support provided by the Bauchi State Government throughout the season, including an increase in the club’s monthly allocation and the establishment of a rescue team aimed at helping Wikki Tourists retain their NPFL status.
Despite these interventions, the club was unable to avoid relegation.
SWAN also welcomed the appointment of former Bauchi State Director of Sports, Alhaji Haruna Bako, as Interim Sole Administrator of Wikki Tourists.
The association expressed confidence in his experience and ability to guide the club through the transition period and prepare it for the upcoming NNL campaign.
The group urged Bako to ensure a seamless handover of the club’s assets, records, operations and liabilities while implementing reforms that will promote discipline, professionalism and competitiveness.
Reaffirming its commitment to the revival of Wikki Tourists, SWAN said it remains optimistic that with strong leadership, accountability and strategic reforms, the club can quickly regain its place in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
In a statement jointly signed by the association’s chairman, Bala Bawaji, and secretary, Elizabeth Kah, SWAN described the action as a necessary step toward rebuilding the club after a disappointing 2025/2026 season.
Wikki Tourists returned to the Nigeria National League (NNL) after spending just one season in the top flight, despite securing promotion to the NPFL the previous year.
According to SWAN, the dissolution of the management committee demonstrates the government’s determination to restore confidence in the club, strengthen its structures and create the foundation for an immediate return to the elite division.
The association also urged the state government to launch a comprehensive investigation into the factors that led to the club’s poor performance. It called for scrutiny of issues such as alleged match-fixing, players’ welfare, financial accountability and the relationship between the club’s management and the supervising ministry.
SWAN stressed that identifying the root causes of the relegation would help prevent future setbacks and ensure lasting reforms within the club.
“The investigation should uncover the factors responsible for the team’s poor performance and recommend measures that will guarantee transparency, accountability and sustainable success,” the statement noted.
The association further acknowledged the support provided by the Bauchi State Government throughout the season, including an increase in the club’s monthly allocation and the establishment of a rescue team aimed at helping Wikki Tourists retain their NPFL status.
Despite these interventions, the club was unable to avoid relegation.
SWAN also welcomed the appointment of former Bauchi State Director of Sports, Alhaji Haruna Bako, as Interim Sole Administrator of Wikki Tourists.
The association expressed confidence in his experience and ability to guide the club through the transition period and prepare it for the upcoming NNL campaign.
The group urged Bako to ensure a seamless handover of the club’s assets, records, operations and liabilities while implementing reforms that will promote discipline, professionalism and competitiveness.
Reaffirming its commitment to the revival of Wikki Tourists, SWAN said it remains optimistic that with strong leadership, accountability and strategic reforms, the club can quickly regain its place in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
