The Bayelsa State Government on Thursday unveiled Abdul Maikaba as Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United Football Club with a mandate to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League this season.
Maikaba was presented alongside his assistant, Elechi Ngozi, at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, by the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, who represented Governor Douye Diri.
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Akpe described Bayelsa United as a club dear to the people of the state, adding that Maikaba’s appointment followed a thorough and merit-based selection process.
He said the government’s target was clear and urged stakeholders to support the new technical crew.
“We are kick-starting and I believe that a journey that is properly started in the right direction is already halfway done. Our target is within this one season: go back to the Premier League,” Akpe said.
The Chairman of the Interim Management Board of the club, Dr Peter Singabele, said Maikaba signed a one-year performance-based contract.
Singabele described Maikaba as a prominent figure with vast experience in Nigerian football.
“Maikaba is a prominent figure with wide experience in Nigerian football. We have no doubt that with the support of the management and all stakeholders, he shall succeed.”
In his response, Maikaba thanked the state government for the opportunity and described the assignment as challenging but achievable with collective support.
He listed his track record to include leading FC Abuja to the Premier League in 2008 as the first Abuja-based club to achieve the feat, guiding Wikki Tourists to promotion on multiple occasions, winning the NPFL title with Kano Pillars in the 2013/14 season and clinching the FA Cup with Akwa United.
He also served as assistant coach at Enyimba during their run to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League in 2010.
The coach, who is currently in charge of the national U-20 team preparing for the WAFU B tournament starting on July 26, said he would combine both assignments with the support of capable assistants.
He said the club would organise a pre-season tournament to discover home-based talents.
According to him, 12 teams will participate in the tournament, comprising the eight quarter-finalists of the 2026 Prosperity Cup and four other invited teams.
