Bauchi State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Adamu Babayo Gabarin, has commended the coaches and players of Wikki Tourists FC following their emphatic 4-0 victory over Yobe Desert Stars, which secured their promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

 

The resounding win in Match Day 3 of the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8, held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, ensured Wikki Tourists claimed one of the Northern Conference promotion tickets alongside Barau FC of Kano.

 

Speaking shortly after the game, Hon. Gabarin expressed delight at the team’s performance, describing their return to Nigeria’s top-tier league as well-deserved.

 

“On behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State, I want to congratulate Coach Abdul Maikaba and his players for doing the state proud,” the Commissioner said. “You know that the NPFL is where the team rightly belong, and coming back is worth celebrating.”

 

Gabarin, who watched the match live in Asaba, further charged the team to maintain their momentum and go for the NNL Super 8 trophy when they face Warri Wolves in Saturday’s final.

 

He also assured the team of robust support from the state government in their NPFL campaign next season, pledging both financial backing and strategic reforms to strengthen the club.

 

“The state government is going to rebrand the team and soon come out with some measures that will ensure the pride of Bauchi consolidates its stay in the NPFL,” he noted. “With the team now back in the elite league where it rightly belongs, I want to assure you that the era of not staying long in the NPFL will be a thing of the past.”

 

Wikki Tourists’ promotion marks a significant milestone for the club after battling through the lower division. The team’s dominant display in the Super 8 signals a strong intent to re-establish themselves as a mainstay in Nigerian top-flight football.