Coach Kabiru Dogo has resigned as Head Coach of Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, a Nigeria Premier Football League club.
Dogo handed in his resignation letter to the Bauchi-based club’s administration on Tuesday afternoon, becoming the first managerial casualty of the 2022/23 Abridged Nigeria Premier Football League season.
Coach Dogo has been at odds with Bauchi Tourists supporters over the club’s dismal preseason showing, but has managed to retain the club’s management’s backing. However, the bubble appeared to have burst after an interview he gave following Sunday’s disappointing goalless draw with promoted Doma United in Bauchi.
Dogo, who has previously coached Nasarawa United of Lafia, Sunshine Stars of Akure, and Lobi Stars of Makurdi, was reportedly quoted as claiming he is not Wikki’s problem. Wikki has struggled to adjust this season, recording only one draw and sitting at the bottom of Group B’s log with just one point.
Dogo, who was appointed in August 2022, helped Wikki to a 10th-place finish after the club was initially heading towards relegation last season.
While requesting the payment of all his unpaid entitlements and that of his assistant and driver, Dogo expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Bauchi, Senator Bala Mohammed, Emir of Bauchi, Chief Imam of Bauchi as well as the management, staff and fans of Wikki Tourists.
The club’s dismal performance has most doubt irritated the Wikki Tourists hierarchy, and Dogo, who is regarded as one of the top tacticians in the country, with attacking flair, has most likely been forced to call it quits after only four match days.
Prior before his departure, the Club management had given him a two must win matches ultimatum.
Adamu Idris Pali, Club Secretary wrote in the letter that, “Squeal to the emergency meeting between the Board Members and Management of Wikki Tourists Football club Bauchi, I am directed to write and forward to you, the decision of the board of Wikki Tourists FC Bauchi.”
He further wrote that, “The board found your performance very low which will lead to decline and fall of our state darling team.”
Pali added that, “In view of the above therefore, the Board has decided to give you an ultimatum of 2 must win matches or proper action will be taken against you, considering the terms of our agreement with you and the management of Wikki Tourists Football Club.
“We hope you will give us the best of your ability for better performance,” the terse letter concluded.
With his departure, the club’s searchlight has been turned to find someone who can take up the mantle he left behind and shepherd the team out of their current dangerous place on the log.
