Head coach Abdu Maikaba believes his side, Bayelsa United, is ready to compete and return to the NPFL at the end of the season, reports www.aclsports.com.
As the 2026/2027 NNL season begins for Bayelsa United, the Prosperity Boys unveiled a 35-man squad tasked with securing the club’s immediate return to the top flight, the NPFL.
Speaking at the ceremony, Technical Adviser Abdul Maikaba expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, describing its impressive pre-season performances as evidence of the squad’s attacking quality, cohesion and determination to secure promotion.
“Our pre-season performances have given us great confidence. Scoring 45 goals in 15 matches is a testament to the attacking quality within this squad. However, we know that the real test begins on Sunday. We are fully focused on starting the season strongly and working collectively towards our ultimate objective of returning Bayelsa United to the NPFL,” Maikaba stated.
On his part, captain Gabriel Biriduba assured supporters that the players were determined to begin the campaign on a winning note against Abia Comets, promising an entertaining and purposeful performance.
“We understand what this season means to Bayelsans, and we are ready to give everything on the pitch. Our target is to start with a victory against Abia Comets on Sunday. We want to make our supporters proud and put smiles on their faces because we know how much this club means to the people of Bayelsa State,” Biriduba declared.
Among the notable additions are Vincent Edafe, who joins from Warri Wolves; midfielder Paul Chidiebere from Rivers United; Chukwuma Emma from Sporting Lagos; Tijani Aleleoju from Shooting Stars of Ibadan; and John Bassey, who returns for a second spell after joining from two-time CAF Champions League winners, Enyimba International of Aba.
Other new signings include Akas Tiza from Flight FC of Gboko; Zaidu Mohammed and Haruna Aliu from Gombe United; Aderemi Samsudeen of Nigeria’s U-20 team; Poweide Morris from Abia Comets; Joel Uduak from Bayelsa Starlets; and Okardi Inikurogha from Citiboi FC. The squad also features promising youngsters Godwill Ibomo and Godbless Ayake, who have earned promotion from the club’s feeder team to the senior squad.
As they begin their quest for an immediate promotion, Bayelsa United will now turn their attention to Sunday’s opener against Abia Comets of Umuahia.
