Abdul Maikaba, Head Coach of Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, has exclusively told Completesports.com that his team was depleted following the absence of five key players who have travelled to Europe in search of better career opportunities hence their struggles at the ongoing 2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) Promotion Playoffs at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Wikki’s Promotion Chances Hanging by a Thread
Wikki Tourists, who entered the NNL Super 8 Promotion Play-offs as one of the top favourites, now risk missing out on a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) berth.
They currently have two points from two goalless draws against Doma United and Barau FC. Yobe Desert Stars top the group with four points, having drawn 0–0 with Barau FC in their opener and beaten Doma United 2–1 on Monday.
Key Players Leave for European Trials
Speaking to Completesports.com after the post-match press conference, Maikaba revealed that several players left for trials in Europe immediately after the regular season. He urged the organisers of the Super 8 to reconsider the timing of the tournament.
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“Jonathan Merige travelled to Azerbaijan for trials. Danbanle Danbele also travelled to Slovakia,” Maikaba lamented.
“Haruna Aliyu, who played at centre-back today (against Barau FC), is scheduled to leave for England next week. We had to force him to come for this match. You know, he wasn’t available for our first game.”
Maikaba Questions NNL Super 8 Playoffs Timing
Maikaba faulted the current schedule of the Super 8, stressing the need to adjust the timing to accommodate players’ trial windows.
“This is very important. You know June and July are always periods when players go for trials abroad, and having this important play-off during this time isn’t ideal at all,” he reiterated.
‘Referees Took Sides’ – Maikaba Blasts Officiating
During the post-match press conference earlier, the former Akwa United, Kano Pillars, Rangers, and Plateau United gaffer also blamed “poor refereeing” for his team’s struggles.
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“I’m not happy with the officiating. The referees have taken sides, and I’m not happy at all,” Maikaba fumed.
Crunch Wikki Tourists vs Yobe Desert Stars Looms
Wikki Tourists must now win their final group match on Thursday against Yobe Desert Stars to stand a chance of clinching one of the two promotion tickets available in Group A of the Northern Conference.
By Sab Osuji
