By EMTV News
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Bayelsa State Government has officially unveiled veteran football tactician Coach Abdul Maikaba as the new Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United Football Club, charging him to lead the Prosperity Boys back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after the club’s relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL).
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, shortly after the state’s weekly Prosperity Walk, where the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Pereotubo Akpe, represented Governor Senator Douye Diri.
Addressing sports enthusiasts, government officials, supporters and stakeholders, Dr. Akpe described the assignment as a collective mission for every Bayelsan, emphasizing that the restoration of Bayelsa United to the elite division remains a top priority of the Prosperity Administration.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri, I thank everyone for participating in the Prosperity Walk. Exercise strengthens us, and I pray God continues to keep us healthy and strong,” the Deputy Governor said.
Speaking on the appointment of the new technical crew, Dr. Akpe noted that Bayelsa United occupies a special place in the hearts of the people, stressing that the government’s decision followed extensive consultations and a careful recruitment process.
“Bayelsa United belongs to every Bayelsan—even those still in the womb are interested in this club. We have nurtured this team over the years, and although unfortunate things happened, we have gone back to the drawing board because he who fails to plan has planned to fail.”
He disclosed that although the state had planned a broader stakeholders’ summit on sports development, the urgency of reviving Bayelsa United necessitated immediate action.
According to him, several qualified coaches were screened before Abdul Maikaba emerged as the preferred candidate strictly on merit.
“Many people showed interest, several coaches were interviewed, but I can honestly say I had never met Coach Maikaba before today. That tells you this appointment was based on competence, not personal relationships.”
Dr. Akpe urged the new Technical Adviser to operate professionally and without interference from any quarter.
“Avoid interference. Let everyone contribute positively to the success of this team. Our target is very clear—within one season, Bayelsa United must return to the Premier League. That is our charge.”
He further called on supporters, football lovers, corporate organisations and private investors to partner with government in repositioning the club financially.
“Government will continue to support you, but I also appeal to well-meaning individuals, industries and corporate organisations to sponsor Bayelsa United. We must build a club that can eventually thrive beyond government funding.”
The Deputy Governor also emphasized the importance of grassroots football development, urging the coaching crew to nurture home-grown talents capable of representing the state.
“Our dream is to see Bayelsa United with 60 to 70 percent indigenous players. That is the true measure of football development, and I urge you to make it part of your responsibility.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Bayelsa United Interim Management Board, Dr. Peter Singabele, acknowledged the disappointment of the club’s relegation but expressed confidence that the new management and technical crew possess the capacity to secure immediate promotion.
“Today we formally begin our preparations for the NNL season. In football, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Today we are in the NNL, but the mandate from His Excellency is very clear—take Bayelsa United back to the Premier League where we belong.”
Dr. Singabele assured supporters that the Interim Management Board would work tirelessly to achieve the objective, while appealing for unity among stakeholders.
“It is a huge responsibility, but together we can achieve it. We need the cooperation of every stakeholder because we cannot do it alone.”
He commended Governor Douye Diri and the Deputy Governor for providing the board with the support needed to reposition the club.
“Government has continued to provide the necessary support, and I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, for always making himself available whenever we seek guidance.”
As part of the ceremony, Dr. Singabele presented a customised Bayelsa United jersey bearing the name “Peter Akpe” to the Deputy Governor before formally introducing the new Technical Adviser, Coach Abdul Maikaba, and his Assistant Coach, Ngozi Emmanuel Elechi.
Coach Maikaba arrives in Yenagoa with an impressive résumé, having managed several top clubs in Nigerian football and won notable honours during his coaching career. He currently serves as the Head Coach of Nigeria’s Under-20 National Team, the Flying Eagles, a position that underscores his reputation as one of the country’s most experienced football tacticians.
His assistant, Coach Ngozi Emmanuel Elechi, also boasts an accomplished coaching career. Widely recognised for his successful spell with Go Round FC, the club credited with nurturing Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Elechi previously served with Warri Wolves and later as an assistant coach at Rivers United. Before venturing into coaching, he played professionally for the defunct Pan African Bank Football Club.
The unveiling of the new technical crew signals the beginning of Bayelsa United’s rebuilding process as the Prosperity Administration intensifies efforts to restore the club’s status among Nigeria’s top-flight football teams.
With experienced hands now at the helm and the full backing of the state government, expectations are high that Bayelsa United will mount a strong challenge for promotion and reclaim its place in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
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