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Tag Wikki Tourists

  • Mar, Sun, 2020
Sport

NPFL: Plateau United stun hosts Wikki Tourists as home fans disrupt game

NPFL
By Huseyn Abubakar Mbar
Bauchi, March 8 , 2020 (NAN) Plateau United Football Club of Jos on Sunday beat hosts Wikki Tourists FC 1-0 in Bauchi in a Nigeria Professional Football  League (NPFL) Match Day 23 fixture.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match played at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium saw several players getting booked.

The match had started with centre referee Imam Malik giving a yellow card to Hassan Abubakar of the home team for delaying the kick-off of the encounter.

In the 39th minute, the match was disrupted when the stadium was thrown into a state of pandemonium as some Wikki fans threw stones and sachet water at fans of the visiting team.

The match was then suspended for over 10 minutes as Plateau United fans rushed towards the stadium exit for safety but were blocked by security personnel.

Sunday Anthony had scored the match’s lone goal in the 34th minute, leading to an agitation by some fans of the home side.

However, in a post-match interview, the Technical Adviser of Wikki Tourists, Usman Abdallah, said even though his players lost the game but he still considered it a gallant loss.

“It is unfortunate that we lost the three points and it is our hope to recover the loss.

“We would have been in the seventh position now if we had won, but it is saddening for both the players and technical crew that we lost.

“However, we hope to amend this in our next match in Ilorin,” he said.

Commenting on the pandemonium that almost disrupted the match, Abdallah stated: “We will enlighten our fans and supporters against football hooliganism.

“We can not afford a situation where the game’s ruling body will either ban us from playing here or ban our supporters from watching our home matches.’’

Abdallah however expressed reservations about the game’s officiating, claiming that his opposite number was equally unhappy with the match officials.

“I am also not happy with the officiating aspect of the match. I and my Plateau United counterpart have earlier complained against it when we saw the choice of referees,” he stated.

Abdul Maikaba, the Technical Adviser of Plateau United, however refused to comment on the match.

“You can’t be expecting me to wait and talk to you while I and my boys as well as supporters are being pursued like rats,” he said.(NAN)
HAM/ECN/OLAL
===============

(Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye and Olawale Alabi)

  • Feb, Sun, 2020
Sport

NPFL: Wikki Tourists humiliate Lobi Stars 4-0

Defeat
By Huseyn Abubakar Mbar
Bauchi, Feb. 16, 2020 (NAN) Wikki Tourists Football Club of Bauchi  on Sunday humiliated visiting Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi 4-0 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in a Nigeria Professional Football  League (NPFL).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Match Day 20 fixture was characterised by rough play, with many players getting booked.

Manu Garba opened scores two minutes into the game, and they increased the tally through Idris Guda in the 24th minute of play after missing several scoring chances.

In the 56th minute of play, Garba scored the match’s third goal while Guda scored the fourth goal in the 72nd minute after converting a free-kick by  Ajala Olushola.

Lobi Stars had started strongly but lost many scoring chances and their steam as the game progressed.

In a post-match interview, the Technical Adviser of Wikki Tourists, Usman Abdallah, commended the efforts of his players for winning the match.

“The match is a morale-booster for the team, though there is still a lot needed of them.

“We still have some deficit to make up as we started badly, and the team has to make up to forge further.

“You could see the fighting spirit is there and we will try to sustain it during our future home and away matches.

“We have discovered our mistakes and our best players who will salvage the team,” he pointed out.

Gbenga Ogunbote, the Chief Coach of the visiting Lobi Stars, on his part described the match as “unfortunate”.

“It was an unfortunate one. Sometimes you have careless moments in the game and you pay dearly for them, and I believe the first and second goals unsettled my players.

“We will just return home to take the positive aspects from the game and, as it is a temporary setback, we will get back.

“We will see it as a challenge, get the positives from the match and get it right,” Ogunbote said.

He described  the match’s officiating as “excellent”.(NAN)
HAM/PD/OLAL
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(Edited by Philip Dzeremo and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Wikki Tourists FC will make impact in this season’s NPFL, official says

Impact
By Huseyn Abubakar Mbar.
Bauchi, Feb. 11, 2020 (NAN) The Bauchi State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Adamu Manu, on Tuesday expressed confidence that Wikki Tourists Football Club would make impact in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Manu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi that the club would still excel in spite of its poor performance in the league.

“I am very confident the club will spring surprises with the new and talented players, as well as the coaching crew, it has engaged.’’

He however appealed to football fans in the state to give the team a chance, adding “we should not write the team off because of the few matches it has lost’’.

The commissioner assured that the team would learn from the matches it has played so far, adding that the players would improve on their current performance.

He said his appointment and that of the club’s new Technical Adviser have come as a form of rescue for the Bauchi-based club.

“Let’s give the current coaching crew a chance to prove their mettle.

“We are liaising with some professionals to enable us forge ahead and we assure our fans that we are going to succeed,’’ Manu said.(NAN)
HAM/JPE/OLAL
================

(Edited by Joseph Edeh and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

NPFL: Kwara United beat Wikki Tourists 1-0

NPFL
By Olayinka Owolewa
Ilorin, Feb. 10, 2019 (NAN) Kwara United Football Club on Sunday defeated visiting Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi 1-0 in a Match Day 8 fixture of the 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match played at the Kwara Stadium Complex in Ilorin saw Segun Alebiosu’s 25th minute penalty kick separating both sides.

The penalty kick was awarded when a Wikki Tourists defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area in the 24th minute.

Alebiosu, who had lost his first penalty kick of the season against Sunshine Stars, redeemed his image by converting this time around.

The game started on a good note for the home side, but they were unable to convert the numerous goalscoring chances created.

The duo of Alebiosu and Ebenezer Odeyemi tormented the Wikki Tourists defenceline, but Abdullahi Musa and Franklin Anthony led the visitors’ backline very well for most part of the game.

Coach Bala Abubakar of Kwara United FC, while reacting after the game, said he was satisfied with the result, in spite of the slim win.

“What is important for now is the three points, even though we needed to score more goals to reduce our goals deficit,’’ he said.

The coach however said while he was satisfied with the team’s performance they must begin to score goals.

His opposing counterpart, Ali Zubair, who was a former Assistant Coach of Kwara United, said there was nothing in the defeat to make them feel bad.

“We came here for a win though, and I must say that we played well, but for the weather which affected our play.

“We tried to put the ball on the ground, which is our typical way of playing, but the wind didn’t allow us to do that.

“In the second half, we did better because the wind had subsided,’’ he said.

NAN reports that Kwara United FC will take on Remo Stars in their next game in Osogbo on Wednesday.(NAN)
OOH/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

NPFL: Nasarawa United defeat Wikki Tourists 2-0

NAN-S-11
Match
By Sunday John
Lafia, May 28, 2017 (NAN) Nasarawa United Football Club on Sunday defeated visiting Wikki Tourists FC 2-0 in a week 21 match of the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) at the Lafia Township Stadium.

A foul by Peter Ambrose on Mohammed Shamasu earned the hosts a penalty kick converted by Seun Segbeso for Nasarawa United in the 36th minute of the first half.

The second goal was scored by Adamu Hassan in the 43rd minute of the first half.

Speaking after the match, Kabiru Dogo, the coach of Nasarawa United, described the win as a morale-booster for them to struggle to the top of the league.

He therefore promised to work harder to ensure that the team achieved their target of winning the league this season.

On his part, Mangut Mbwas, Assistant Coach of Wikki Tourists, described the penalty kick which led to the first goal as complicated and had left him wondering.

He however attributed his team’s low performances to the changes being witnessed at the top echelon of the club’s management.

The coach expressed the hope that they would overcome the challenges as a better team.(NAN)
SDJ/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Ganaru blames fatigue for Wikki’s loss to ABS FC

NAN-S-2

Fatigue
By Olayinka Owolewa
Ilorin, Feb. 27, 2017 (NAN) Coach Baba Ganaru of Wikki Tourists Football Club says fatigue was responsible for his Bauchi-based side’s 0-1 loss to hosts ABS FC of Ilorin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the loss was in a 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 10 fixture at the Kwara State Sports Stadium in Ilorin.

Ganaru, while speaking after the match, said fatigue had a big impact on their loss.

“We came in into Ilorin around 2 a.m. on Saturday and we are playing on Sunday.

“But I am seriously happy about my boys performance, because I wasn’t expecting that display they put up today.

“Emeka Nwabulu is a fantastic lad with a big future ahead of him,” the coach said.

Speaking also on the match, his ABS FC counterpart, Henry Makinwa, gave Wikki Tourists credit and described them as a good side.

The former Rayo Vellecano forward was full of praises for the Wikki Tourists goalkeeper for stopping his team from converting many goalscoring opportunities during the match.

“We can’t be expected to win big all the time, because there are no pushovers in the league.

“But not playing last weekend against Rivers United because of their continental engagement made us a bit match rusty today.

“However, we are taking it game after game. We are now focused on the next game against Rangers of Enugu,’’ Makinwa said.

NAN reports that Mohammed Mohammed’s goal in the 17th minute, his fourth of the season, was enough to settle the game.

He met a throw-in from Chukwuebuka Anaekwe from the right flank of Wikki Tourists’ defence to place a low shot to the far left of goalkeeper Emeka Nwabulu.

Even though the former Heartland FC of Owerri striker wasted some goal scoring chances, he still received a standing ovation when substituted in the 90th minute.

In the match, ABS FC were the better side in the first stanza after dominating proceedings with their man-to-man marking and passes.

Wikki were however the better team in the second half as they came out stronger against the ABS FC side which looked a bit match rusty.

NAN reports that ABS FC are expected in Enugu on Wednesday for a Match Day 11 fixture against Rangers International FC.(NAN)
OOH/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

CAF competitions: Football enthusiasts hail Nigerian clubs’ performances

NAN-S-18
Performances
By Jaa’far and Victor Okoye
Abuja, Feb. 13, 2017 (NAN) A cross-section of football enthusiasts in Abuja on Monday hailed the performances of the country’s four representatives in the 2017 Confederation of African Football (CAF) club competitions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rangers International Football Club of Enugu were the first to step out, holding JS Saoura of Algeria to a 1-1 draw.

The match played in Algiers was a first round first leg fixture in the CAF Champions League.

Also, Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt on Saturday held AS Real Bamako of Mali to a goalless draw in Bamako in the same competition.

On Sunday, FC IfeanyiUbah of Nnewi defeated visiting Al Masry of Egypt 1-0 in the first leg of the preliminary round of the ongoing 2017 CAF Confederation Cup in Nnewi.

However, it was a sad outing for Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, who fell 2-0 to Royal Forces FC of Sierra Leone in the CAF Confederation Cup also.

Those who spoke with NAN however described the results as impressive, adding however that a lot of work still needed to be done.

Patrick Pascal, Super Eagles’ team coordinator said the results were quite commendable, especially because their opponents were no pushovers and were also top sides in their various countries.

“Away draws as in the case of Rangers and Rivers United are not bad, but we must ensure that we do our homework well and not take our opponents for granted as they will be coming to cause an upset, “he said.

Pascal said, as for Wikki Tourists, it was not over yet, and the Bauchi side must pick themselves, go back to the drawing board.

“They must prepare well to ensure they deal decisively with the Sierra Leonean side in Bauchi,’’ he added.

Musa Talle, the FCT Football Association Chairman, said the victory for FC IfeanyiUbah was good, but added however that the situation could still be dicey.

“The lone goal victory by the Anambra Warriors is commendable, but they must have to guard against complacency when they go away to Egypt.

“The Egyptians, as we have seen over the years, are very good at finishing the job on home soil.

“They will attack, throwing all in their arsenal at you till the last blast of the whistle. So, we must be very wary of them,” he said.

Talle also noted that the goalless draw by Rivers United was not a bad result, but could still be dangerous,.

“Rangers are in a better position to qualify, having scored an away goal.’’

He however said Wikki Tourists have a lot of work on their hands, having conceded two goals.

“They must therefore ensure they work on their attack and score two or more goals, while ensuring that they do not concede any,” Talle said.

Godwin Bamigboye, Chairman of FCT Football Coaches Association, said the performances of the various clubs were commendable.

“The time has come for us to bring back the glory days of the country’s dominance in the CAF club competitions.

“The boys have done well so far, but we must remember that it is not yet uhuru.

“The coaches must be very tactical and technical in their various approaches to the second leg.

“I believe they have seen the strengths and weaknesses of their various opponents and will go back to the drawing board and do a proper evaluation for a successful execution of their task in the next leg.

“We must bring back the glory days of teams like Enyimba, who won the competition back-to-back.

“There is no reason why we can’t achieve that feat again, “he said.

NAN reports that the second leg ties of the pairings in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup competitions come up in less than a week’s time.(NAN)
JI/VO/KOLE/OLAL
================

(Edited by Remi Koleoso and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Continental club competitions: NFF to inspect Enugu, Bauchi, Nnewi, Port Harcourt stadiums

NAN-S-21

Inspection
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, Jan. 11, 2017 (NAN) The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will inspect all four venues being proposed for home matches by clubs representing Nigeria in African competitions in 2017, a federation official said on Wednesday.

NFF’s Acting Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, said in a statement that this was based on the agreement reached with the clubs at a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was between NFF officials and officials of the four clubs, namely Rangers International, Rivers United, FC IfeanyiUbah and Wikki Tourists.

Olajire quoted NFF’s Director of Competitions, Bola Oyeyode, as saying none of the four stadia had been previously inspected and approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the competitions’ organisers.

Oyeyode said this necessitated the need for NFF to inspect the venues well ahead of the continental competitions.

“So, the deliberations today (Wednesday) centred on match venues, stadium readiness, team preparation, team travel and accommodation, logistics, match officials’ travel and accommodation, communication with NFF and officials of the opposition team, safety, security and medical provisions,’’ the statement quoted him as saying.

It added that Oyeyode also briefed officials of the four clubs on the requirements of CAF.

Oyeyode further harped on the importance of being fully prepared in all the noted areas in order not to attract avoidable sanctions and unpleasant experiences during their campaigns.

NAN reports that Enugu-based NPFL champions Rangers International will fly the country’s flag in the CAF Champions League alongside runners-up Rivers United of Port Harcourt.

Also, Federation Cup winners FC IfeanyiUbah of Nnewi and League third place-finishers Wikki Tourists of Bauchi will campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Rangers have proposed to make use of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu for their home matches, while Rivers United are opting for the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.

On their part, Wikki Tourists decided on the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, while FC IfeanyiUbah will host their home matches at the Ifeanyi Ubah International Stadium in Nnewi.

NAN reports that first round first leg matches in this year’s African club competitions will take place on the weekend of Feb. 9 to Feb. 11.(NAN)
BAY/MOL/OLAL
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(Edited by Mustapha Lamidi and Olawale Alabi)