Wikki Tourists Set To Battle Warri Wolves For 2024/2025 NNL Title
Wikki Tourists Head Coach, Abdul Maikaba, has exclusively told Completesports.com that his team has achieved their primary goal of gaining promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) via the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 Play-offs.
Maikaba stated that with the NPFL ticket secured, their next objective is to win the overall championship title and dedicate the trophy to Bauchi State Governor, His Excellency Senator Bala Mohammed, in appreciation of his support and financial motivation throughout the campaign.
Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourists Clash In NNL Season Finale
The 2024/2025 NNL Super 8 Promotion Play-offs will climax with a showdown between Southern Conference winners, Warri Wolves, and Northern Conference champions, Wikki Tourists, on Saturday, 12 July, 2025. The eagerly anticipated clash kicks off at 3pm at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Warri Wolves edged Crown FC 2-1 in their final group game to secure a return to the NPFL after several seasons in the second tier. They topped the group with six points – same as Kun Khalifat of Owerri – but had a superior goal difference (plus three compared to Kun Khalifat’s minus one).
Kun Khalifat had earlier defeated Crown FC 1-0 and finished with six points following a 2-1 victory over Osun United in their final group match at Delta State University Stadium, Ozoro.
In the Northern Conference, Wikki Tourists saved their best for last, hammering Yobe Desert Stars 4-0 to top the group with five points and a goal difference of plus four. They had drawn their opening two matches against Barau FC and Doma United goalless.
Read Also:NPFL: Warri Wolves Coach Aloma Declares Free Agent Status After Super 8 Final
Meanwhile, Barau FC booked their NPFL return with a 2-0 win over Doma United in the final group match at the same Ozoro venue.
Maikaba: NPFL Ticket Secured, Now We Target Trophy For Our Governor
Speaking on the eve of the final, Maikaba told Completesports.com that promotion was always the team’s top priority:
“Before coming here from Bauchi, we prioritised a ticket back to the NPFL as our ultimate ambition in the 2024/2025 NNL Super 8 Play-offs.
“Now that we’ve achieved that dream, we are very happy and grateful to God for making it possible.
“The next objective is to try and win the overall champions’ trophy and present it to our State Governor, His Excellency Senator Bala Mohammed, as a token of appreciation for his moral and financial support, and motivation, which helped us reach this point.
“We can’t thank him enough. We’re also proud of our fans and supporters who have stood by us through thick and thin.”
Read Also:NPFL: Obuh Confirms Amapakabo’s Return To Abia Warriors After Peace Talks
Maikaba said he has been overwhelmed by the celebrations back in Bauchi since their emphatic win over Yobe Desert Stars:
“Since the 4-0 win, my phone has been ringing non-stop. Everyone in Bauchi is overjoyed that we’re back in the top league.”
We Expect A Tough Final – Maikaba
Despite the elation, Maikaba remains cautious about Saturday’s final against Warri Wolves:
“I’m not expecting an easy game at all. Warri Wolves have fantastic players, and playing here in Asaba, they are more or less the ‘home team’.
“It’s going to be a tough match, but we’ll stick to our tactics and game plan, believing it can bring us victory.”
Asaba Experience ‘Memorable’ For Wikki Tourists Coach
Reflecting on his stay in Asaba, Maikaba expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality and conducive environment:
“I’m happy we came, saw, and conquered. We came to Asaba, and it favoured us with a ticket back to the NPFL – that’s what matters most.
“The people here love good football and have been friendly. The weather has also been good, considering the time of the season.
“It’s been fun, and I’m taking back pleasant memories,” concluded Maikaba, a former classroom teacher turned football coach.
By Sab Osuji in Asaba
