By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Sept. 25, 2023 (NAN) Alhaji Aminu Dalhatu Umar (Rinji), the Acting Chairman, Wikki Tourists Football Club of Bauchi, says the club is set to take its rightful place in the country’s apex league.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wikki Tourists were relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to the Nigeria National League (NNL) after finishing 9th out of 10 clubsides in Group B at the end of the 2022/2023 abridged league season.
Umar told NAN on Monday in Abuja that the Interim management of the club were doing a wonderful job to bring back smiles to the faces of the fans as well as the state.
He said the performance of the team during the pre-season was a testament to the fact that the glory days of the club
“With the way things are going in the camp of Wikki Tourists, I can assure you we will be back in the next NPFL season Inn sha Allah.
“The feel good factor is back in the team which was evident during our pre-season games.
“The atmosphere in the stadium during the games tells you all you need to know about the massive work that is been done behind the scene in this team,” he said.
The chairman noted that the team was now focused on achieving its goals within the shortest possible time.
He said that the club has put some new innovations as well as laid down procedures in place to checkmate all
“Wikki Tourist now have focus and goals to achieve within a period of time.
“Every player has to fight to get a contract and must fight for his place in the team.
“No bribe will give you anything in this football club anymore. If you doubt what i am saying ask the players,” he said.
He revealed that everything had been put in place to ensure that
the players were comfortable and are willing to fight for the badge again.
He said that the interim management was also working hard to ensure that talents are being developed at the grassroots.
“We want to ensure that the players earn good salaries so as to avoid any form of distraction.
“There is a plan for the home grown talents. Baggio is already back in the team and I have heard of one boy from Shira who is doing fabulously well.
“The Interim management want to build a synergy between Wikki feeder and the U15 with the main team,” he said.
He urged the players to work hard and make the state proud so as to justify the confidence reposed on them by the club management.
He added that the club was still in the market in search of players who would add more value to the team.
“Wikki Tourist isn’t Manchester United but we now have a goalkeeper that can play with his legs and can do better than Andre Onana.
“Also, we are in the market for a modern day number nine who can score goals. We shall be back in the NPFL next season Inn sha Allah,” he said.
He appreciated the governor of the state as well as the commissioner of Sports for all their efforts to revive and restore the fortunes of the club.
“I can only thank the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Muhammad and Commissioner of Sports, Mohammed Salees Gamawa for the appointment of the interim management to safe Wikki Tourist.
“They really are trying beyond their possible best to restore Wikki Tourist to its rightful place, but patience and prayers will always be key.
“Indeed, football has come to life again in Bauchi State,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
