NPFL: Wikki Tourist, Rangers Set For Titanic Clash

By Augustine Akhilomen

League leaders, Wikki Tourist will face a tough test in
their quest to remain top of the log as the team host second place Enugu
Rangers at the Abubarkar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi in the Nigeria
Professional Football League on Sunday.

Wikki have been enjoying a fairy tale story in the league
this season as they have matched teams like Kano Pillars and Enyimba FC
without falling on the way side.

The team is currently on 41 points after losing their last
weekend’s game against Plateau United. A win against Rangers
international who are on 39 points could further extend their lead on
the log and brighten their chances of winning the NPFL title.

The Bauchi state club’s success has boils down to manager
Abdul Maikaba’s tactical and technical discipline which can also be
compared to Rangers coach, Imama Amapakabo who has transformed the
Flying Antelopes to a title contenders this season.

Statistically, Rangers have won two and lost one their last
three matches against Wikki Tourist. In their last meeting, the Flying
Antelopes defeated Tourist 1-0 in March this year and will be hoping to
do a double on them.

The highly-rated Wikki coach, who has also worked at
Enyimba and Kano Pillars, has therefore said a win against Rangers on
Sunday is  crucial to their title aspirations.

“It is very, very important that we win this game because
it is a match between the two top teams in the league. A win will
consolidate our leadership of the table and also boost our chances to go
all the way to win the league,” he said.