Peter Singabele, a former board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has been appointed chairman of a five-member interim management committee to oversee Bayelsa United FC, following the dissolution of the previous board. The appointment was confirmed on Thursday morning by Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, who emphasized the state government’s commitment to restoring the club’s former glory. The interim committee will manage the affairs of the Yenagoa-based football club for a six-month period, with the primary goal of returning the team to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) within one season.
The new committee includes Ken Akpolaemi Odogu as Secretary, alongside Sir Braveman Wodi, Godson Ekadi, and Mr. Ono K. Akpe as other members. Their mandate comes after Governor Senator Douye Diri disbanded the previous management structure and sacked the coaching and administrative staff. Dr. Akpe stated that the governor is deeply concerned about the current state of Bayelsa United and expects the committee to act swiftly and decisively.
Bayelsa United, once a proud representative of Nigeria in continental competitions, won the NPFL title in 2009 and went on to compete in the 2010 CAF Champions League. However, the club was relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL) at the end of the 2025/2026 NPFL season, marking a significant decline in performance. The state government and fans alike hold the club in high esteem, and there is widespread expectation that the new committee will reverse this downward trend.
The Deputy Governor stressed that the committee’s top priority is to ensure Bayelsa United’s promotion back to the NPFL within the next season. He urged the members to work closely with stakeholders, including players, coaches, and supporters, to rebuild the club’s foundation. The appointment of Singabele, a seasoned football administrator, is seen as a strategic move to bring stability and expertise to the club’s management.
With the new committee now in place, attention turns to how quickly they can implement reforms, secure funding, and rebuild the team’s competitive edge. The journey back to the top flight will require strong leadership, effective planning, and the support of the Bayelsa community. The appointment signals a fresh start for Bayelsa United, with hopes that the club can once again become a force in Nigerian football.
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