Wikki Tourists coach Abdul Maikaba unveiled his intentions ahead of a crucial Super 8 playoff clash with Barau FC, following a goalless draw with Doma United on Saturday at Asaba’s Stephen Keshi Stadium. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, the team’s anxiety in front of goal led to poor decision-making in the final third, according to the former Kano Pillars, Akwa United and Plateau United manager.
Reflecting on the match, Maikaba admitted he anticipated a tough contest. “Right from the onset, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. This is because all the eight teams here are competing to qualify for the NPFL,” he said, setting high expectations for his side.
All four teams in the Northern Conference group remain level after the opening fixtures, leaving the contest wide open. Maikaba stressed the need for strategic adjustments to break the deadlock. “We’ll restrategise ahead of our second game vs Barau FC on Monday to ensure we come out victorious, because winning is what earns you the ticket to the NPFL,” he declared.
Acknowledging his team’s missed opportunities, the Wikki boss emphasised that converting chances would be decisive. “Missing scoring chances is part of football… no player goes into a match intending to miss chances,” he remarked, vowing to address this ahead of Monday’s fixture.
Editorial
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We stand united with Maikaba as he prepares his squad for what could be their defining match. The unpaid cost of a goalless draw has revealed both the promise and the frailties within the side. We believe that clarity in the final third is within reach and confidence will be the catalyst.
Our collective optimism is rooted in the coach’s honest critique. Recognising anxiety is the first step to overcoming it. We think a calmer approach, born of mental resilience, could transform half-chances into match-winning moments.
In this phase of the competition, every error is magnified and every goal vital. We urge the team to recalibrate their composure, reduce panic, and strike decisively. The beauty of football lies in its unpredictability, and a single win could turn the tide entirely.
We hold firm that, with focused strategy and belief, Wikki Tourists can convert momentum into promotion. This match will define more than a season—it could define the club’s ambition
Did You Know?
- Wikki Tourists earned their place in the Super 8 by topping Northern Conference C, finishing the regular season undefeated with 23 points.
- Their qualification was secured following a commanding 4–1 victory over Zamfara United at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.
- The Super 8 playoffs are being held at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba from 5 to 12 July 2025, with four promotion spots to the NPFL at stake.
- Barau FC rewarded their players with N2 million for making the playoffs, showing strong financial backing and belief ahead of their group matches.
- Wikki Tourists’ home ground, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, has a capacity of 11,000 and hosted matches during the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
