Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar and Bello El-Rufai, member of the House of Representatives for Kaduna North, have officially acquired ownership of Ranchers Bees FC, one of Kaduna’s most historic football clubs.
The takeover, confirmed on Monday, marks a bold attempt to restore the Bees to their former glory and secure promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Founded in the 1970s, Ranchers Bees FC once stood tall in Nigerian football, especially in the northern region. The club’s golden era included a runners-up finish in the 1988 CAF Cup Winners’ Cup and victory in the 1989 WAFU Cup.
However, years of financial strain and administrative setbacks saw them languish in the lower-tier Nigerian National League.
“Growing up, I watched Rancher 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, partnering with Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, believes the revival project is not just about football, but also about reconnecting with the community. “We want to return the club to its old glory days,” Umar declared.
