Wikki Tourists Turn to Bashir Saleh for Stability Ahead of Crucial Rangers Clash
Nigeria Premier Football League side Wikki Tourists have appointed Bashir Saleh as their new technical adviser on an interim basis following the resignation of experienced tactician Abdullahi Maikaba earlier this week. The club confirmed that Saleh will take charge with immediate effect as they attempt to steady their campaign at a critical stage of the season.
Saleh is not a stranger to the Wikki Tourists setup. The coach previously served as the club’s Chief Coach under Garba Ibrahim, a period that allowed him to understand the team’s culture and internal structure. His coaching journey also includes working alongside Aliyu Zubairu at Gombe United, where he gained valuable tactical and managerial experience within the NPFL environment.
His first major test comes quickly, as he prepares to lead the team into a challenging matchday 26 fixture against Rangers in Enugu this weekend — a game that could shape the club’s momentum moving forward.
From an opinion perspective, Saleh’s appointment feels like a practical and calculated decision rather than a risky gamble. In situations where a head coach departs mid-season, continuity often becomes more important than drastic change. By promoting someone familiar with the dressing room and league dynamics, Wikki Tourists may be prioritizing stability and quick adaptation over experimentation.
However, the interim nature of the role also raises questions about long-term planning. While short-term leadership can inspire a temporary lift in morale, players often respond best when there is clarity about the club’s vision. Saleh’s immediate challenge will therefore be twofold: delivering results on the pitch while quietly proving he deserves more than just a temporary mandate.
For fans of NPFL football, this moment highlights the unpredictable nature of the league, where coaching changes can quickly reshape a team’s identity. If Saleh manages to secure a positive result against Rangers — especially away from home — it could mark the beginning of a fresh chapter for Wikki Tourists, one built not on sudden overhaul but on steady rebuilding.
As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on Enugu to see whether this internal promotion becomes a turning point or simply a brief transition. Either way, Bashir Saleh now carries the responsibility of guiding a team searching for renewed direction and confidence in a competitive domestic season.
