By Amaechi Agbo

Bayelsa United have officially unveiled experienced tactician Abdul Maikaba as the club’s new Technical Adviser ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

Maikaba returns to club football after resigning from Wikki Tourists on February 9, 2026, citing concerns over his personal safety and internal disagreements among the club’s stakeholders.

Making the unveiling on Thursday, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, charged him to return the team to the premier league in the next season.

The Technical Adviser will be assisted by another tested Nigerian coach, Ngozi Elechi, a former handler of Go-Round FC, Omoku.

Dr. Akpe, said Governor Douye Diri, who is not happy with the relegation of the team has given the Dr. Peter Singabele-led Interim Management Board the immediate task of returning Bayelsa United to the elite league.

In May 2026, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed the highly respected coach as Head Coach of the Flying Eagles, Nigeria’s U-20 men’s national team.

The former Rangers, Kano Pillars and Akwa United boss is currently overseeing the Flying Eagles’ preparations for the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 9, 2026. His current mandate with the national team covers the regional qualifiers and extends through the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations campaign.

Despite taking charge of Bayelsa United, Maikaba is expected to combine both responsibilities, balancing his club duties with his national team role. The arrangement will also enable him to monitor and identify outstanding domestic talents for the Flying Eagles while spearheading Bayelsa United’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.

Coach Maikaba has managed several NPFL clubs including Wikki Tourist, Plateau United, Akwa United, Enyimba FC, Enugu Rangers and Kano Pillars. He is an attacking minded coach.