Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar and Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives for Kaduna North, have completed the takeover of Ranchers Bees FC, one of Kaduna’s most iconic football clubs.
The acquisition, confirmed on Monday, signals a determined push to restore the Bees to their past glory and return them to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Founded in the 1970s, Ranchers Bees once dominated football in northern Nigeria. The club’s golden years included a runners-up finish in the 1988 CAF Cup Winners’ Cup and winning the 1989 WAFU Cup. However, financial troubles and administrative challenges eventually pushed them down to the Nigerian National League.
“Growing up, I watched Ranchers Bees of Kaduna, a club that produced countless players. It’s a thing of pride and joy for us to be the bona fide owners of the club,” Umar said.
The Almería striker, teaming up with Bello El-Rufai son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufaiemphasized that their mission goes beyond football.
“We want to return the club to its old glory days,” Umar declared.
Umar also expressed joy at the response from the club’s supporters.
“I’m elated by the feedback from Ranchers Bees fans and the people of Kaduna. We will bring back the old memories of the club and fill the stadium once again.”
