Bayelsa Utd unveils Maikaba as new coach, targets NPFL return

Experienced football tactician Abdul Maikaba has been officially unveiled as the new Technical Adviser for Bayelsa United, with a clear mandate from the Bayelsa State Government to guide the club back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) next season.

The unveiling ceremony, presided over by the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, underscored the government's commitment to reinstating the club in the top flight. Governor Douye Diri has reportedly instructed the newly inaugurated Interim Management Board, led by Dr. Peter Singabele, to prioritize securing immediate promotion.

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As a government, we are committed to ensuring Bayelsa United returns to the NPFL next season. That is the responsibility given to the Interim Management Board, and we believe the new technical crew has the experience and capacity to achieve that objective.

"As a government, we are committed to ensuring Bayelsa United returns to the NPFL next season," stated Akpe. He expressed confidence in the new technical crew's ability to achieve this objective and highlighted Maikaba's appointment as a reflection of the government's determination to reposition the club among Nigeria's elite football sides.

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I accepted this challenge because Bayelsa State is ambitious and determined to return to the Premier League. I will give my best to ensure we achieve that objective.

Further emphasizing local development, the deputy governor directed the coaching staff to build a team with a strong grassroots identity, stipulating that approximately 70 percent of the players should be sourced from within Bayelsa State. This directive aims to foster local talent and enhance football development within the region.

Maikaba, who signed a one-year renewable contract, brings a wealth of experience from coaching various Nigerian clubs. He pledged to implement an attacking style of play, earning him the nickname 'Pep Guardiola of Nigerian football.' "I accepted this challenge because Bayelsa State is ambitious and determined to return to the Premier League. I will give my best to ensure we achieve that objective," Maikaba said, expressing his commitment to making the people of Bayelsa proud.

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My philosophy of football has earned me the nickname ‘Pep Guardiola of Nigerian football,’ and I will work hard to build a team that the people of Bayelsa will be proud of.