Godson Abaikade says the Prosperity Boys have kept the welfare package they enjoyed in the NPFL, with promotion the target as the Nigeria National League season opens on Sunday.
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Bayelsa United board member in charge of Technical Affairs, Godson Abaikade, has said he is confident that the club’s new recruits have the quality to secure an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). He spoke ahead of the team’s opening fixture in the 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) on Sunday, November 8.
Abaikade told supporters that the club has prepared the right players to deliver on its main target. He said the season will start on Sunday, and he expects the people of Bayelsa to be very proud of the team.
The expectations are high because the Prosperity Boys were relegated from the NPFL last season. They finished 19th on 43 points, and a 2-1 defeat to Remo Stars on Matchday 37 ended a four-year stay in the top flight.
The state government responded by dissolving the board, management and technical crew, and Abdul Maikaba was unveiled as the new coach on July 16. Fans who follow the lower leagues can check this Bet9ja promotion for second-tier football fans as the new season begins.
Welfare Kept At Top-Flight Level
Abaikade also spoke about player welfare, which he said remains a top priority for the club’s administration. He revealed that, despite playing in the second tier, the state government has kept the same premium financial and logistical packages that the squad enjoyed in the NPFL.
He believes this puts Bayelsa in a strong position compared with their rivals. In his words, the club is “one of the teams with the best welfare packages” in the NNL.
The board member credited Governor Douye Diri for the support. He said the governor gave the club a clear mandate and backed it up with a wonderful welfare package for the team. New Bet9ja users can look at Bet9ja’s YOHAIG season-opener offer while they follow the club’s progress.
Good welfare can help a squad stay focused over a long and demanding NNL season. For a club that has promotion as its only target, keeping the squad motivated and well looked after could be a key advantage.
The Season Opener
The NNL starts this weekend, and earlier fixture reports had Bayelsa opening at home against Abia Comets at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. Maikaba’s squad has been preparing for weeks and scored 35 goals in 10 preseason games, although the opposition in those matches was weaker than what they will face in the league.
The target is realistic, because relegated clubs have bounced back before. Four teams went up from the NNL last season, namely Doma United, Inter Lagos, Sporting Lagos and Ranchers Bees, and Doma United returned to the NPFL straight after relegation. Readers who like to learn how offers work can read about how the Bet9ja bonus code works.
Bayelsa will need to turn their confidence into results quickly. A strong start at home would give the supporters belief and set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
📌 Did You Know?
- Bayelsa United finished 19th in the 2025/26 NPFL with 43 points, ending a four-year stay in the top flight.
- Abdul Maikaba was unveiled as Bayelsa United’s coach on July 16, 2026.
- Bayelsa scored 35 goals in 10 preseason games under Maikaba.
- Doma United were relegated from the NPFL in 2024/25 and won promotion straight back.
- Bayelsa United are nicknamed the Prosperity Boys.
