Wikki Tourists’ relegation: SWAN demands probe into alleged match-fixing, poor welfare

The Bauchi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called for a probe of the sacked Management Committee of Wikki Tourists FC over the circumstances that led to the club’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The association also commended the Bauchi State Government for sacking the committee following the club’s disappointing performance in the 2025/2026 NPFL season.

Recall that Wikki Tourists were relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL) just a year after returning to Nigeria’s top-flight league.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Bala Bawaji, and Secretary, Elizabeth Kah, and made available to journalists on Sunday, SWAN described the government’s action as “timely and necessary.”

The association said the decision demonstrated the government’s commitment to repositioning the club, restoring public confidence and creating the right foundation for Wikki Tourists’ immediate return to the elite division of Nigerian football.

SWAN called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the club’s poor performance despite the financial and administrative support provided by the state government throughout the season.

According to the association, the probe should examine alleged match-fixing, the poor welfare package for players, the relationship between the supervising ministry and the club, as well as the club’s financial status.

“Identifying some factors including alleged match fixing, players poor welfare package, relations between supervising Ministry and the Club as well as other financial status that are obviously responsible for the club relegation to the NNL will give a clue on what actually transpired. This is essential in preventing a recurrence,” SWAN said.

The association noted that the state government had fulfilled its obligations to the club, including increasing its monthly allocation and constituting a rescue team towards the closing stages of the season in a final effort to prevent relegation.

“However, despite these interventions, the club failed to retain its NPFL status,” it lamented.

SWAN welcomed the appointment of former Bauchi State Director of Sports, Alhaji Haruna Bako, as the Interim Sole Administrator of Wikki Tourists.

The association expressed confidence in his experience and ability to reposition the club ahead of the forthcoming NNL season.

It urged the interim administrator to ensure a smooth takeover of the club’s operations, assets, records and liabilities while implementing reforms to restore discipline, professionalism and competitiveness within the team.

SWAN reaffirmed its support for the state government to revive Wikki Tourists, expressing optimism that, with the right leadership and reforms, the club would regain its place in the NPFL.

Wikki Tourists’ relegation: SWAN demands probe into alleged match-fixing, poor welfare