Maikaba Begins Bayelsa United Rebuilding Project, Targets NPFL Return
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Jeff Onuegbu
Abdul Maikaba has commenced an extensive rebuilding exercise at Bayelsa United as the experienced Nigerian coach begins preparations for the club’s return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Maikaba was unveiled as the Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United in July 2026 after the club’s relegation from the NPFL. The Bayelsa State Government has handed him the immediate task of guiding the Yenagoa-based side back to the top flight.
The coach has now moved quickly to reshape the squad, with more than 60 players currently in camp as he assesses available talent ahead of the new Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign.
Following Bayelsa United’s recent pre-season victory over De Go-Pro FC of Sapele, Maikaba said the result was useful in helping his technical team identify players capable of contributing to the promotion campaign.
“I am satisfied with the display and the way they played,” Maikaba said after the friendly, according to reports by Complete Sports.
“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, Plateau United, Rangers and Wikki Tourists coach revealed that the number of players in camp would be drastically reduced as the club moves towards settling on its final squad.
“We have more than sixty players in camp. We are gradually trimming down to our maximum of 35,” he said.
“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.”
Bayelsa United’s recruitment programme is therefore expected to play a central role in Maikaba’s attempt to achieve the club’s stated objective of securing promotion at the first attempt.
The club’s relegation from the NPFL has placed considerable pressure on the new technical crew, with Bayelsa State authorities making an immediate return to the top flight a major priority. At his unveiling, Deputy Governor Peter Akpe said the state government expected the newly constituted management board and technical team to restore Bayelsa United’s NPFL status.
Maikaba brings considerable experience to the assignment. Before taking charge of Bayelsa United, he managed several prominent Nigerian clubs, including Wikki Tourists, Kano Pillars, Rangers, Plateau United and Akwa United. Transfermarkt records his managerial spells at those clubs, while the Nigeria Football Federation also lists his previous work with Enyimba, Wikki Tourists, Kano Pillars and Plateau United.
His coaching résumé also includes success with Akwa United, whom he led to victory in the 2017 Federation Cup. He has also managed Kano Pillars, one of Nigeria’s traditional top-flight clubs.
Maikaba’s appointment came shortly before he led Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire. The Nigerian U-20 side reached the final after eliminating hosts Côte d’Ivoire on penalties, following a 2-2 draw after extra time.
However, the Flying Eagles suffered a 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final, ending their campaign as runners-up.
With that assignment now behind him, Maikaba has turned his attention fully to Bayelsa United and the demanding challenge of rebuilding the squad.
Bayelsa United are scheduled to compete in NNL 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 club plans to play additional quality friendlies before the league begins as Maikaba continues assessing his options.
For Maikaba, the objective is straightforward: identify the best available players, build a competitive squad of 35 and deliver promotion within the duration of his one-year contract.
