Bayelsa United have unveiled Abdul Maikaba as new Technical Adviser ahead of the commencement of the Nigerian National League, NNL, in the aim to secure promotion to the Nigerian Premier Football League, NPFL, next season.
The unveiling was conducted by the Bayelsa State Government through its Deputy Governor, Peter Akpe, who disclosed that the new appointee signed a one-year contract with the side, which renewable in subject to team’s performance, as well as disclosing its utmost confidence in the new technical crew in securing a league promotion come the end of 2026/27 football season.
At the event on Thursday, Akpe described Maikaba’s appointment as a demonstration of the government’s keen determination to reposition the club, directing the team’s coaching crew to build a team with a strong grassroot identity, instructing that about 70 percent of the players should be sourced from Bayelsa United to promote local talent and football development.
The government official also relayed that the designee would be assisted by former Go-Round FC head coach, Ngozi Elechi, Maikaba, stating that he would give his best to ensure the team achieve its objectives.
The former Enyimba and Rangers United gaffer disclosed that he took the challenge, thanking the state government for the opportunity bestowed on him, promising to give the fans good football alongside full focus on top flight promotion.
“I accepted this challenge because Bayelsa State is ambitious and determined to return to the Premier League. I will give my best to ensure we achieve that objective,” Maikaba said.
“My philosophy of football has earned me the nickname ‘Pep Guardiola of Nigerian football,’and I will work hard to build a team that the people of Bayelsa will be proud of,”he added.
As part of preparations for the new season, Bayelsa United will stage a 12-team pre-season tournament featuring the eight quarter-finalists from the last edition of the Prosperity Cup, alongside Selena FC, Bayelsa Talents Under-19, Bayelsa United Feeders and City Boy FC.
According to the club, the competition is aimed at identifying and developing talented players across the state as preparations intensify for the campaign to secure an immediate return to the NPFL.