Diri Tasks Maikaba, Elechi to Return Bayelsa United to NPFL …As Gov Unveils New Coaches, Announces Pre-Season Tourney By Chris Mark 

Diri Tasks Maikaba, Elechi to Return Bayelsa United to NPFL

…As Gov Unveils New Coaches, Announces Pre-Season Tourney

By Chris Mark 

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has mandated the new technical crew of Bayelsa United to secure promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, at the end of the current season.

The Governor gave the directive during the unveiling of Coach Abdu Maikaba as Technical Adviser and Coach Ngozi Elechi as Assistant Coach at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

Represented by Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, Diri said returning the “Prosperity Boys” to the top tier remains a priority for his administration.

“The mandate is clear: take us back to the NPFL this season. Government has put structures in place and we expect results,” he said.

He added that the selection process was transparent and merit-based, with zero government interference. “Several coaches were interviewed. I have not even met the new coach before today. That shows we are committed to professionalism,” Diri stated.

The Governor also called on stakeholders, oil companies, and private sector players to invest in the club, stressing that government cannot fund sports alone.

Chairman of the Interim Board, Dr. Peter Singabele, assured that preparations for the Nigeria National League, NNL, have started in earnest. He announced a 12-team pre-season tournament scheduled for next week in Yenagoa, featuring last year’s Prosperity Cup quarter-finalists and four local clubs, aimed at discovering home-based talents.

In his acceptance speech, Coach Maikaba said he was drawn to Bayelsa United by the board’s clear ambition. He recalled leading Wikki Tourists to NPFL promotion twice and guiding Kano Pillars to win the league title in 2014.

“With the support of government and stakeholders, we will get this team back to where it belongs,” Maikaba assured.