Ahead of the commencement of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, Bayelsa United have unveiled a 35-man squad charged with securing the club's immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The unveiling ceremony, held at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, featured the formal presentation of the newly recruited players to the media alongside their respective jersey numbers, as the club intensifies preparations for its opening fixture against Abia Comets of Umuahia on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
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.
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.
Maikaba disclosed that Bayelsa United scored 45 goals in 15 pre-season matches, suffering just one defeat, a record he believes demonstrates the team's attacking strength and growing understanding.
"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.
Meanwhile, 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.
Also speaking on behalf of the Board, Mr Godson Ekadi disclosed that the club had spent almost four months preparing for the new campaign, assembling a competitive squad capable of fulfilling the State Government's promotion mandate.
He reaffirmed the Board's commitment to implementing Governor Douye Diri's directive to ensure Bayelsa United secures an immediate return to the NPFL following its relegation.
"We have prepared the players that will do that for us, and, by the grace of God, on Sunday, we will set the ball rolling, and Bayelsans will be very proud of this team," Ekadi maintained.
With preparations concluded and the 35-man squad officially unveiled, attention now shifts to Sunday's season opener as the Prosperity Boys begin their promotion campaign under the banner of _Operation Return to the NPFL._
