By Fatimah A. Lago
In a moment of glory that resonates beyond the pitch, Wikki Tourists Football Club has officially secured promotion to the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following a resounding 4–0 victory over Yobe Desert Stars in the final match of the NNL Super Eight playoffs held today in Asaba.
The dominant performance, highlighted by a sensational hat-trick from Wonderson Yakubu and a fourth goal by Hassan, confirmed Wikki’s place among Nigeria’s football elite. But while fans celebrate on the field, stakeholders across Bauchi State are attributing this milestone to the visionary leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Adamu Babayo Gabarin.
Since assuming office, Hon. Babayo Gabarin has led a transformative overhaul of the sports ecosystem in Bauchi State. His policies have revitalized key infrastructure such as the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, supported grassroots sports, and enhanced the technical capacity of coaches and referees through structured refresher courses across all 20 LGAs.
In a strategic move, Gabarin also championed the conversion of the State Sports Council into a full-fledged Sports Commission, positioning Bauchi as an emerging hub for talent development and private-sector investment in sports.
These reforms, implemented with consistency and stakeholder engagement, created the enabling environment that allowed Wikki Tourists to thrive. From improved training facilities and better player welfare to effective team management and community support, the foundation laid by Gabarin’s administration proved critical to the club’s success.
“This is more than a football victory,” a local sports analyst commented. “It’s a validation of focused leadership and sustainable investment in youth and sports by Hon. Gabarin.”
With Wikki Tourists now back in the NPFL, attention turns to ensuring the team’s competitiveness at the highest level. Commissioner Gabarin has pledged continued support and further investment to sustain the momentum and expand opportunities for young athletes across Bauchi.
As celebrations erupt across the state, one thing is clear: Wikki Tourists’ promotion is not just a sporting triumph, it is the proud result of a new era in Bauchi sports, powered by vision, commitment, and reform.
