SWAN Backs Wikki Tourists Shake-Up, Demands Probe Into Relegation

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bauchi State chapter, has thrown its weight behind 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).

The association described the move as a timely and decisive step towards rebuilding the club after a disappointing 2025/2026 campaign that saw Wikki Tourists drop back to the Nigeria National League (NNL) just one season after securing promotion to the top flight.

In a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Bala Bawaji, and Secretary, Elizabeth Kah, SWAN said the dissolution of the management committee demonstrates the government’s commitment to restoring the club’s fortunes, rebuilding public confidence and laying a solid foundation for an immediate return to the NPFL.

Beyond the management shake-up, the association called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the club’s poor season despite what it described as substantial financial and administrative backing from the Bauchi State Government.

SWAN urged the government to examine allegations of match-fixing, players’ welfare, the relationship between the supervising ministry and the club’s management, financial accountability and other issues that may have contributed to the team’s relegation.

According to the association, identifying the underlying causes of the club’s decline is crucial to preventing a repeat of the setbacks and ensuring meaningful reforms.

“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 said.

SWAN noted that the state government had met its obligations to the club throughout the season, including increasing its monthly allocation and setting up a rescue team towards the end of the campaign in a final bid to preserve the club’s top-flight status.

Despite those interventions, Wikki Tourists were unable to avoid relegation.

The association also welcomed the appointment of former Bauchi State Director of Sports, Alhaji Haruna Bako, as Interim Sole Administrator of the club, expressing confidence in his wealth of experience and ability to steer Wikki Tourists back on course ahead of the new Nigeria National League season.

It urged the interim administrator to oversee a smooth handover of the club’s operations, assets, records and liabilities while introducing reforms aimed at restoring discipline, professionalism and competitiveness.

SWAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Bauchi State Government’s efforts to revive Wikki Tourists and expressed optimism that, with strong leadership, accountability and far-reaching reforms, the club would quickly reclaim its place in the Nigeria Premier Football League.