Wikki Boss Blames Poor Finishing for Slump

Wikki Tourists head coach Bashir Saleh has identified a lack of composure in front of goal as the primary cause for his team’s recent struggles in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The Bauchi-based club, known as the “Bauchi Elephants,” has hit a significant roadblock in their campaign, failing to secure a single victory in their last four outings.

The team’s frustrating run continued on Monday, December 15, 2025, with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Rivers United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt. Despite a spirited performance where Wikki Tourists created several clear-cut opportunities to level the score or even take the lead, they were ultimately undone by a 19th-minute strike from Taofeek Otaniyi. The loss leaves Saleh’s side with a middling record of five wins, six draws, and six defeats across 17 matches this season.

Addressing the media following the latest setback, Saleh emphasized that the squad’s inability to convert dominant spells into goals has become an urgent concern. “Our problem has been finishing. We created enough chances to get something from the game against Rivers United, but we didn’t take them,” Saleh remarked. He reassured supporters that the technical crew is working “tirelessly” on the training pitch to sharpen the strikers’ instincts and restore confidence in the final third.

The lack of clinical edge has seen Wikki Tourists slip into the bottom half of the table, currently occupying 14th position with 21 points. With the league entering a critical phase, the pressure is mounting on the Bauchi Elephants to find their scoring boots. Saleh remains optimistic, however, insisting that the underlying play is strong and that “improvements will come soon” once the team starts rewarding their tactical build-up with goals.