NPFL: Late Baggio Strike Earns Wikki a Hard-Fought Draw Against Bayelsa United
By Nasiru IBRAHIM Bauchi
It was a thrilling evening at the ATBS as Wikki Tourists fought back to share the spoils with Bayelsa United in a hard-fought 1–1 draw.
The Restoration Boys struck first in the 8th minute when Ifeanyi Ogba capitalised on a brief lapse in Wikki’s midfield to slot home the opener. The early goal only seemed to ignite the Giant Elephants.
From that moment, Wikki dominated possession. Klinshak Longbak dictated the tempo, while Jonathan Mairiga kept Bayelsa goalkeeper Chisom Chiaha busy with a string of sharp attempts. An early injury to Ahmed Lamido brought Habila Simon into the game, but Wikki’s rhythm and intensity never wavered.
At the back, Haruna Aliyu and Abba Musa were solid, while Utum Godswill in goal was rarely troubled. Sani Ibrahim controlled the midfield with composure, linking play effectively, and fullbacks Saifullahi and Abubakar Aliyu continually stretched Bayelsa’s backline, linking well with Haruna Aliyu’s accurate long passes.
Bayelsa also had key performers. Right-back Issah Yusuf operated effectively, while midfielders Jawad Mustapha and Nupe Godstime put in disciplined performances to help their side stay in the game. As the match wore on, the visitors tried to slow the pace, with Chisom Chiaha eventually booked for time wasting. But Wikki kept pressing, with substitutes Abdullahi Usman (Pepe) and John Taiwo adding fresh energy in the final stages.
The breakthrough for Wikki finally came in the 87th minute. John Taiwo delivered a perfect cross, met brilliantly by Nasiru Jibrin Baggio, who fired home the equaliser to send the ATBS crowd into celebration. Wikki pressed for a late winner, but Bayelsa held firm, and the game ended 1–1 a fair reflection of Wikki’s dominance and Bayelsa’s resilience.
The point keeps Wikki Tourists in 7th place with 20 points from 14 games, while Bayelsa United move up a spot to 9th with 19 points. Looking ahead, Wikki will travel to Edo to lock horns with Bendel Insurance, hoping to build on their resilient display, while Bayelsa United return home to welcome Katsina United to Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
Elsewhere in the league, Nasarawa United moved back to the top of the table after a commanding 3–0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors, thanks to a brace from Anas Yusuf and a goal from Mohammed Garba, while Ikorodu City prepare to face Kano Pillars on the road.
After the match, Wikki Tourists’ assistant coach Bashir Sale expressed gratitude for the draw, acknowledging that the team knew it would be a difficult, high-tempo encounter. He identified finishing as a major area for improvement but praised the team’s effort and thanked the supporters for their unwavering spirit and sportsmanship.
Wikki Tourists can take plenty of positives from the match a late equaliser, strong performances across the park, and a point that keeps them firmly in the mix as the season moves forward.
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