Maikaba Hails Wikki Tourists After 4–0 Rout Of Yobe Desert Stars
Wikki Tourists Head Coach, Abdul Maikaba , has heaped praise on his players after a commanding 4–0 victory over Yobe Desert Stars in a matchday three fixture of the 2024/2025 NNL Super 8 Playoffs at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on Thursday, 10 July 2025, Completesports.com reports.
The result was enough to secure Wikki Tourists’ promotion back to the Nigerian elite league. The Bauchi-based side topped the Northern Conference group with five points — the same as Barau FC, who also accumulated five points but finished second due to an inferior goal difference, despite a 2–0 win over Doma United.
“My Players Saved Their Best For Last” — Maikaba
An elated Maikaba, whose side went on a first-half scoring spree with four goals, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance.
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“I’m very, very happy with the players. I really congratulate my boys. Scoring four goals in a single match means a lot. It’s like they saved their best for the last. It’s like they really wanted to win and return to the Premiership. I’m really happy about it,” Maikaba said.
Prior to Thursday’s game, Wikki Tourists had failed to score in their two earlier fixtures, but responded emphatically when it mattered most.
Wikki Tourists Adjustment and Mental Shift Key To Victory
Maikaba, who had previously vowed to address his players’ lack of composure in front of goal, revealed that a psychological approach helped unlock their scoring potential.
“The match was psychological. I sat down with the players and understood that they were anxious to score goals. They were in too much of a hurry to see the ball hit the back of the net.
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“And in doing so, they made a lot of mistakes. So, we had an exercise yesterday where we put them under pressure in front of goal and encouraged them to stay calm and finish well. They did it very, very well today and I’m very happy.”
Maikaba Apologises Over Referee Outburst
Earlier in the tournament, Maikaba had criticised match officials after his side’s goalless draw against Barau FC. However, following Thursday’s emphatic result, the coach retracted his remarks.
“I’ve withdrawn that statement since. I was just being emotional at the time I made that comment. I regretted it, especially as a senior coach — making such statements in front of our upcoming coaches sends the wrong signal. It’s not good for the game,” he admitted.
NPFL Promotion Secured For Wikki Tourists and Barau FC
With the conclusion of matchday three, Wikki Tourists and Barau FC have sealed promotion to the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Wikki topped the group based on superior goal difference.
By Sab Osuji in Asaba
