Wikki Tourists Unveil Nine New Signings Ahead of 2025/26 NPFL Season
Wikki Tourists have strengthened their squad with nine new additions ahead of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The Bauchi-based side confirmed the capture of experienced midfielder Nasiru Auwalu from Kano Pillars, in what is expected to be one of the most influential moves of their transfer business.
Other arrivals include Philip Johnson (Akwa United), Sani Ibrahim (Inter Lagos), Luis Dadong (Kwara United), Abdullahi Usman (Sporting Lagos), Idris Ashiru Dantata (Malitakicare), Kabiru Abdullahi (Lobi Stars), and Abba Usman (Nasarawa United).
In addition, the club handed Saddam Nahuta his first professional contract following his impressive exploits with non-league side Warinje FC.
Head coach Abdullahi Maikaba’s men will open their new campaign at home against Plateau United on Friday, August 22, at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.
Opinion:
This transfer window could prove to be one of the most important in Wikki Tourists’ recent history. The club has often flirted with inconsistency in past seasons, struggling to balance experience with youthful energy. However, this new mix suggests that Maikaba is building a squad with depth, balance, and ambition.
The signing of Nasiru Auwalu alone signals intent — a seasoned midfielder who brings both leadership and composure to the middle of the park. Pair that with hungry youngsters like Saddam Nahuta stepping into the professional scene, and you have a team that feels both refreshed and fearless.
The big question, however, is whether these signings can quickly gel to deliver results in a fiercely competitive NPFL. Fans in Bauchi have long craved a side that can not only survive but also challenge at the top end of the table. With this rebuild, hope is alive again.
As they kick off against Plateau United, all eyes will be on how these new faces blend into Maikaba’s system. If they click early, the 2025/26 season might just be the campaign where Wikki Tourists remind the league that Bauchi is not a ground for easy points.
