Wikki Tourists Football Club of Bauchi returned to winning ways on Sunday with a decisive 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Oyo State. 

The Matchday 10 fixture was played at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.

The hosts, who had suffered consecutive defeats in their Matchday 8 and 9 games, came determined to reverse their poor form before their home supporters.

Abdullahi Usman opened the scoring in the 30th minute, finishing off a fine attacking move that left the Shooting Stars’ defence completely exposed.

Jonathan Mairiga doubled the lead twelve minutes later, calmly slotting home in the 42nd minute to give the Bauchi side a comfortable half-time advantage.

The second half saw Wikki Tourists adopt a more defensive approach, concentrating on protecting their lead as 3SC pressed for a comeback.

Despite several determined attempts, the Ibadan-based side could not find a breakthrough, as Wikki’s defence held firm until the final whistle.

The win boosts Wikki Tourists’ morale and takes them to 12 points, in 13th position after Matchday 10 of the Nigeria Premier Football League. 

3SC head coach, Nurudeen Aweroro, admitted his team’s failings, saying: “It’s normal to lose sometimes. Our plan didn’t work, but we’ll return stronger.”

In contrast, Wikki Tourists’ technical adviser, Abdul Maikaba, expressed delight at his team’s response. “We came determined not to concede, and scoring two goals makes it even better.”

 (NAN)