Maikaba targets immediate NPFL return for Wikki Tourists
Wikki Tourists coach Abdul Maikaba has set his sights on an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for Wikki Tourists in the 2026-27 NNL season.
The Bauchi-based club will play in the Nigeria National League (NNL) after suffering relegation from the NPFL last season.
The club endured a disappointing campaign last season, finishing 20th with 40 points.
Ahead of the NNL season which kicks off on October 31, Maikaba is targeting an instant return to the top-flight following a pre-season win over De Go-Pro FC of Sapele on Sunday.
He said: “I am satisfied with the display and the way they played.
“But the truth is, we are assessing the players because we are recruiting. We are looking to see who will add value to the team, and any player who will not add value, we will let him go.”
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The widely-travelled coach also confirmed that over 60 players are in camp as they ramp up preparations for the new season.
Maikaba said: “We have more than sixty players in camp. We are gradually trimming down to our maximum of 35.
“With quality games and proper training, we will pick the best. That is why I have a one-season contract — to do the job in one year.
“We are in the NNL to face any team. We are not here to handpick opponents. Any team we are drawn with, we are ready to face,” he said.
“The target is to qualify for the Premier League in one season.”
Bayelsa United will slug it out with Beyond Limit FA, Solution FC, Akwa United, Smart City FC, Right-2-Win FC, Dokka Khairu FC, Abakaliki FC and Ekiti United in Conference B in the 2026-27 NNL season.
