Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

Wikki Tourists Coach Apologizes to NNL Over Referee Comments After Goalless Draw

Posted : 10 July 2025

The Technical Adviser of Wikki Tourists FC, Abdu Maikaba, has issued a formal apology to the Nigeria National League (NNL) and the wider football community for comments he made criticizing match officials. This followed his team’s goalless draw against Barau FC of Kano during Matchday 2 of the ongoing NNL Super Eight Playoffs in Asaba, Delta State.

 

Visibly upset after the match, Maikaba had publicly blamed the referees during a post-match interview for Wikki Tourists’ inability to secure a win. His comments drew sharp reactions across the football community, with many calling for greater professionalism and respect for match officiating.

 

In a letter dated July 9, 2025, Maikaba expressed deep remorse for his remarks. “I sincerely apologize for the comments I made about officiating after our game against Barau FC of Kano,” the statement read. “Honestly, I regret my words. They are harmful to the growth of the game. I made them in the heat of the moment, and they do not reflect the values of Wikki Tourists or my principles as a professional coach.”

 

He emphasized his respect for the NNL and Nigerian football in general, assuring stakeholders that such conduct would not be repeated. “I have high regard for the NNL and the football family. I assure everyone that this will not happen again,” he concluded.

 

Maikaba’s apology follows a similar one from Coach Akinade Onigbinde for misconduct during the same tournament. The NNL has acknowledged Maikaba’s apology and described it as a positive step, reaffirming its dedication to maintaining the integrity of officiating and promoting the development of football in Nigeria.

 

In other developments:
Barau FC, a new force in Nigerian football, secured historic promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after defeating Doma United FC 2-0 in Ozoro. Funded by Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, the Kano-based club finished second in the group standings behind Wikki Tourists, who also earned their return to the NPFL.

 

With Barau FC’s rise, Kano State now has two clubs in the top flight, joining Kano Pillars. Only 56.5 kilometers separate Barau FC’s Dambatta Stadium from Kano Pillars' Sani Abacha Stadium, setting the stage for an exciting Northern Derby in the upcoming 2025/26 NPFL season.

 

Wikki Tourists also capped off their promotion campaign with a dominant 4-0 victory over Yobe Desert Stars in the final group match, marking their return to Nigeria’s top division.

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :