Wikki Tourists have officially accepted the resignation of technical adviser Abdu Maikaba, with assistant coach Bashir Sale stepping in as interim head coach while the club works on appointing a full time replacement. Maikaba’s departure follows a turbulent period for the Bauchi based NPFL side.
Sale, previously Maikaba’s right hand man, has been placed in temporary charge of the Giant Elephants’ technical affairs ahead of upcoming NPFL fixtures as the club seeks stability.
Wikki Tourists’ management met on Tuesday to deliberate Maikaba’s resignation, ultimately commending him for his contributions and service to the club during his tenure. A statement from the club thanked him and wished him success in his future endeavours.
The club did not immediately announce a permanent successor, confirming only that Sale will lead the team on an interim basis while discussions continue.
Maikaba, a veteran coach with experience across the NPFL, submitted his resignation on February 9, citing ongoing disunity among stakeholders and concerns for his safety following reported threats to his life both in person and on social media.
His decision came after Wikki Tourists were held to a 4–4 draw by Katsina United in Matchday 25 of the NPFL, leaving the club in 15th place on the table.
Editorial
The acceptance of Maikaba’s resignation and the appointment of Bashir Sale as interim coach highlights the precarious nature of managerial roles in the NPFL. With pressures from supporters and internal disagreements within club structures, coaches often find their positions under intense scrutiny. Maikaba’s decision to step down amid safety concerns raises important questions about the protective measures and support systems available for technical staff in Nigerian football.
For Wikki Tourists, the next few weeks will be critical. The club must find a way to steady the ship and regain consistency on the pitch while navigating off field changes. Sale’s interim tenure offers a chance for continuity, but a clear long term plan will be vital to avoid further instability.
Supporter patience will also be tested during this transitional period. Fans play an essential role in shaping a positive environment for the team, and fostering unity off the pitch could help mitigate future disruptions as the season progresses.
Did You Know?
- Wikki Tourists accepted Abdu Maikaba’s resignation as technical adviser on February 10, 2026.
- Bashir Sale, Maikaba’s assistant, has been named interim head coach.
- Maikaba cited internal disunity and threats to his safety as reasons for quitting.
- Wikki Tourists drew 4–4 with Katsina United in their NPFL Matchday 25 game before the coach’s departure.
- The Bauchi Elephants are competing in the NPFL after earning promotion from the Nigeria National League in 2025.
