Akpe Unveils Maikaba, Urges BU To Bounce Back To NPFL

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, has officially unveiled Coach Abdul Maikaba as the new Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United Football Club, charging him and his technical crew with the responsibility of returning the club to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the end of the forthcoming season.

Hotnews gathered that the unveiling, which took place shortly after the state’s weekly Prosperity Walk led by the Deputy Governor, marks a new chapter in the rebuilding process of the state-owned football club following its relegation from the country’s top-flight league.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Akpe disclosed that the Governor, Senator Douye Diri was deeply dissatisfied with the club’s relegation and has directed the newly constituted Interim Management Board, headed by Dr. Peter Singabele, to immediately commence the process of restoring Bayelsa United to the elite division.

He said the prosperity administration remains committed to repositioning the club into a formidable force in Nigerian football and expressed confidence that the new technical crew possesses the experience and competence required to achieve the target.

The Deputy Governor urged Coach Maikaba to justify the confidence reposed in him by building a disciplined, competitive and result-oriented team capable of securing immediate promotion to the NPFL.

Dr. Akpe also emphasized the need for the technical crew to pay greater attention to grassroots football development by identifying and nurturing talented young footballers across the state.

According to him, home-grown talents should form the backbone of Bayelsa United’s future success, while also providing opportunities for young athletes to develop their careers.

He noted that Bayelsa State has continued to produce exceptional football talents over the years and stressed that deliberate investment in youth development would guarantee sustainable success for the club.

The Deputy Governor further called on corporate organisations and private investors to partner with the state government by sponsoring Bayelsa United, describing football as a powerful platform for youth empowerment, social development and economic opportunities.

According to him, increased corporate participation would strengthen the club’s financial base, improve its competitiveness and contribute to the overall development of sports in Bayelsa State.

Coach Abdul Maikaba brings a wealth of experience to Bayelsa United, having successfully handled several top Nigeria Premier Football League clubs, including Wikki Tourists, Plateau United, Akwa United, Enyimba FC, Rangers International, and Kano Pillars.

Widely regarded as an attacking-minded tactician, Maikaba is expected to inject fresh ideas, tactical discipline and a winning mentality into the team.

He will be assisted by another experienced Nigerian coach, Ngozi Elechi, a former head coach of Go-Round FC of Omoku, whose technical expertise is expected to complement the club’s rebuilding efforts.

The appointment of the new technical crew is widely seen as a bold statement of intent by the Bayelsa State Government to restore Bayelsa United to its rightful place among Nigeria’s football elite while laying a solid foundation for sustainable football development in the State.

~ Hot News Reporters
Friday, 17, July, 2026