Bayelsa United technical adviser Abdul Maikaba has set his sights on an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) by the end of the 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) season. The former Kano Pillars coach, who recently signed a one-year contract with the Yenagoa-based club, made this declaration after overseeing a pre-season victory over De Go-Pro FC of Sapele. The match served as a key step in preparations for the upcoming NNL campaign, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday, October 31, with Heartland of Owerri facing Crown FC of Ogbomoso in the opening fixture.
Maikaba expressed satisfaction with his players’ performance during the friendly but emphasized that the coaching staff is still in the process of evaluating the squad. He noted that the team is currently undergoing a rigorous selection process, with more than 60 players currently in camp. “We are gradually trimming down to our maximum of 35,” he stated, adding that only those who add value to the team will remain. Any player deemed unfit or not contributing sufficiently will be released ahead of the season’s start.
The target for Bayelsa United, known as the Prosperity Boys, is clear: secure promotion back to the top flight within one season. Maikaba stressed that the club is not here to avoid tough opponents but to compete head-on with every team in their group. “We are in the NNL to face any team. We are not here to handpick opponents. Any team we are drawn with, we are ready to face,” he said confidently. This determination comes despite being placed in Conference B alongside formidable sides such as Beyond Limit FA, Solution FC, Akwa United, Smart City FC, Right-2-Win FC, Dokka Khairu FC, Abakaliki FC, and Ekiti United.
As preparations continue, Bayelsa United will engage in more high-quality friendly matches to identify weaknesses, assess new recruits, and finalize the strongest possible squad. Maikaba believes that with consistent training and competitive fixtures, the team can achieve its goal. His one-season contract reflects the urgency and expectation placed upon him to deliver results quickly. The club’s journey back to the NPFL will depend heavily on disciplined squad management, tactical preparation, and strong performances from day one.
With the league just weeks away, all eyes are on Bayelsa United as they aim to rise from the second tier and reclaim their place among Nigeria’s elite football clubs.
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