The Bauchi Elephants grind out a 1-0 win in Matchday 12 of the Nigeria Premier Football League
In a tense encounter at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi’s own Wikki Tourists edged out Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in Matchday 12 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), thanks to a dramatic late strike by super-sub Nasiru “Baggio” Jibrin. The goal, timed at the 87th minute, came after a match of dominance tempered by missed chances and a stubborn defence.
From the first whistle, Wikki Tourists imposed themselves on the game: possession, territorial advantage, and repeated probing of the Tornadoes’ back-line. Yet, despite the pressure, the visitors held firm, denying the Bauchi side a goal in open play.
That resilience from the Tornadoes forced the home team into tactical adjustments. Coach Abdu Maikaba recognized the need for fresh impetus and introduced Jibrin in the second half, replacing Sadeeq Abdullahi. Moments later, Jibrin made his mark.
His energetic runs down the flank and opportunistic movement off the bench unsettled the Tornadoes defence. With minutes left and tensions high, he seized a chance, firing home the winner and sending the home crowd into jubilant scenes.
The result lifts Wikki Tourists, injecting belief into their campaign. While the league table remains tight around them, this kind of gritty victory is exactly what separates mid-table hopefuls from challengers. For Niger Tornadoes, the defeat is a blow. They will rue the missed opportunities and the fact that they let a beaten-start momentum slip away.
Abdu Maikaba, head coach of Wikki Tourists FC in his post-match remarks captured the mood perfectly: “It was a tough one, but the boys showed great spirit. We’ll now shift focus to our next game … and we aim to keep this winning mentality.” The Bauchi club must now ride this wave: maintaining momentum, fixing finishing touches, and staying sharp at home and away.
Wikki Tourists may not yet be title contenders, but wins like this move them ever closer to a new status. And for Nasiru “Baggio” Jibrin, tonight is one to remember.
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