Bayelsa United target instant NPFL return as pre-season begins in Yenagoa

Bayelsa United have begun preparations for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), opening their pre-season training for the 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

The first session of the new campaign, held in the Bayelsa State capital, marked the formal start of the club’s build-up to what officials have described as a decisive season for the team.

Assistant coach Ngozi Elechi led the technical crew that conducted the opening drills, with fellow coach Anderson West also on the pitch to help supervise the early work-out.

Light opening as fitness and tactics take centre stage

Players were put through light fitness routines and basic tactical exercises as the coaching staff began assessing their physical and mental readiness for a more intensive pre-season schedule.

The initial sessions are designed to help the squad gradually regain match sharpness following the off-season break, with emphasis on conditioning, movement, and understanding of tactical instructions.

Officials say more demanding drills and test matches will follow in the coming weeks as the technical crew finalises plans for the new campaign.

The club expects additional players to report to camp in the coming days as preparations are ramped up for the Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup Pre-season Tournament, which will also be staged in Yenagoa.

The tournament is set to serve as a key part of the team’s build-up, offering competitive action and an opportunity for fringe and new players to stake their claims for regular places.

‘Crucial season’ as promotion push begins

Before the start of training, club board member Godson Ekarde addressed the squad, underlining the importance of the coming campaign and challenging the players to show the right attitude.

He urged them to approach the season with total focus and the mentality of a team determined to fight its way back into the top flight.

Ekarde described the 2026/27 NNL season as “a crucial one” for Bayelsa United, stressing that nothing short of a serious push for promotion would be acceptable.

He reaffirmed the club management’s resolve to back the technical crew and players with the required resources to compete strongly in the second tier and secure a swift return to the NPFL.

Call for discipline, consistency and results

In his address, Ekarde called for discipline, commitment and consistency from both the players and the coaching staff throughout the season.

He challenged the team to justify the confidence placed in them by the club hierarchy and by Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, whose vision includes seeing Bayelsa United restored to the country’s elite division.

Ekarde urged the squad to translate that support into performances on the pitch, demanding improved displays and results across the campaign.

The pre-season programme will continue in Yenagoa as the coaching crew, now working under newly appointed head coach Abdul Maikaba, aims to mould a team capable of sustaining a promotion challenge once the NNL season kicks off.