.svg.png){kind=logo}
Bayelsa United technical adviser Abdul Maikaba has declared that his main objective is to guide the club back to the Nigeria Premier Football League ,NPFL, at the end of the 2026/27 Nigeria National League, NNL, season.
Maikaba stated this after the Prosperity Boys recorded a pre-season victory over De Go-Pro FC of Sapele as preparations intensify for the new campaign.
The 2026/27 NNL season is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, October 31, with Heartland of Owerri taking on Crown FC of Ogbomoso in the opening fixture.
Maikaba expressed satisfaction with his players’ performance in the friendly but stressed that the coaching crew is still assessing the squad ahead of the new season.
“I am satisfied with the display and the way they played,” Maikaba told the club’s media.
“But the truth is, we are assessing the players because we are recruiting. We are looking to see who will add value to the team, and any player who will not add value, we will let him go.”
The former Kano Pillars handler signed a one-year contract with Bayelsa United, with the clear mandate of securing an immediate return to the Nigerian top- flight.
Read Also:NNL: Maikaba Named New Bayelsa United Head Coach
Maikaba revealed that more than 60 players are currently in camp, with the number expected to be reduced considerably before the start of the season.
“We have more than sixty players in camp. We are gradually trimming down to our maximum of 35,” he added.
“With quality games and proper training, we will pick the best. That is why I have a one-season contract — to do the job in one year.”
Despite being drawn in a competitive group, Maikaba insisted that Bayelsa United are prepared to take on every opponent in their quest for promotion.
“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.
“The target is to qualify for the Premier League in one season.”
Bayelsa United will compete in Conference B alongside Beyond Limit FA, Solution FC, Akwa United, Smart City FC, Right-2-Win FC, Dokka Khairu FC, Abakaliki FC and Ekiti United.
The Yenagoa club will continue their preparations with more high-quality friendly matches as Maikaba looks to identify weaknesses, assess new recruits and settle on his strongest squad before the league gets underway.
