The Bayelsa State Government has unveiled Abdul Maikaba as the new Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United Football Club, charging him to lead the team back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this season. Maikaba was presented alongside his assistant, Elechi Ngozi, on Thursday at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa by Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe, who represented Governor Douye Diri.
Akpe said Bayelsa United remains a key sporting institution in the state and noted that Maikaba’s appointment followed a merit-based selection process. He expressed confidence that the club could secure promotion within one season.”Our target is within this one season: go back to the Premier League,” the deputy governor said. Chairman of the club’s Interim Management Board, Dr. Peter Singabele, disclosed that Maikaba signed a one-year performance-based contract, describing him as an experienced coach with a proven record in Nigerian football.
In his remarks, Maikaba thanked the state government for the opportunity and pledged to work with the club’s management and supporters to achieve promotion. He highlighted previous achievements, including winning the 2013/14 NPFL title with Kano Pillars, lifting the FA Cup with Akwa United and guiding several clubs to promotion. He also said Bayelsa United would organise a pre-season tournament featuring 12 teams, including the eight quarter-finalists of the 2026 Prosperity Cup, to identify emerging talent.
