Wikki Tourists technical adviser Abdullahi Maikaba has maintained a positive outlook despite his team's 2-1 defeat to Barau FC in their Nigeria National League (NNL) matchday 17 encounter played in Dambatta on Sunday.

Despite the setback, the Bauchi Elephants still hold the top position in Group C with 20 points, keeping their promotion hopes alive as the regular season approaches its conclusion.

Speaking to the club's media after the match, Maikaba praised his players' performance despite the unfavorable result. "I'm glad that we lost gallantly. Nobody can say we didn't play well, my boys did their best, and I must commend them," he stated.

The experienced tactician reaffirmed that the team's ultimate objective remains securing promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). "We are still topping the group. Our performance this season has been great and we want to continue this momentum until we achieve our ultimate goal, a slot in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Insha Allah," Maikaba added.

Wikki Tourists will face Zamfara United in their final match of the regular season, a crucial encounter that could determine their fate. According to the NNL format, two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Eight playoff tournament, where the final promotion spots to the NPFL will be decided.

With their current position at the top of Group C, Wikki Tourists remain well-positioned to secure one of the qualification spots for the Super Eight, keeping their NPFL promotion dreams within reach despite the recent defeat.