Following the successes recorded by Remo Stars and Ikorodu City in recent times, the Nigerian topflight could enjoy the inflow of more privately-owned clubs
Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq has stepped into Nigerian football ownership, joining forces with politician Hon. Bello El-Rufai to revive one of the country’s most storied clubs, Ranchers Bees FC of Kaduna, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Kaduna-born Real Sociedad forward has finalised the acquisition of the famous side, once a dominant force in Nigerian football, with the ambition of restoring its glory days and returning it to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Former AS Roma defender Nura Abdullahi has been appointed president of the club, and tasked with steering its operations and long-term vision.
What Nigerian star Sadiq said about Ranchers Bees acquisition
“This is about more than football, it’s about hope, opportunity, and pride for the people of Kaduna,” Sadiq said.
“I and my partner, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, want to return the club to its old glory days. 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.”
The club, which once boasted talents like Daniel Amokachi, Dahiru Sadi, and Dominic Iorfa, will now compete in the Nigerian National League (NNL) under the new name Ranchers Bees Kaduna. They aim to secure promotion within the next two seasons, supported by a professional side and a youth academy designed to nurture the next generation of stars.
“Our target is to secure promotion to the NPFL. I’m elated by the feedback from Ranchers Bees supporters and the people of Kaduna. We will bring back the old memories of the club and return the fans to the stadium,” Sadiq added.
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Founded in the 1970s, Ranchers Bees enjoyed a golden era in the late 1980s and early 1990s, winning the 1989 WAFU Cup and making multiple NPFL title challenges. However, financial instability and administrative setbacks saw them drift into obscurity.
With the new investment, and the backing of a passionate fan base, the Kaduna outfit is set for a resurgence.
The Kaduna State Football Association has pledged full support, with chairman Faisal Tozo promising to work closely with the new leadership to ensure sustainable growth.
Former AS Roma and Glasgow Rangers forward Umar Sadiq’s impressive move may have been inspired by the recent exploits of Remo Stars and Ikorodu City in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Remo Stars, owned by business tycoon Hon. Kunle Soname, last season became the first private-owned club to lift the NPFL title in over two decades.
The Ikenne-based club will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League next season.
Ikorodu City, in the club’s debut campaign in the NPFL, finished in fourth position ahead of storied teams like Enyimba FC, Kano Pillars, Shooting Stars and Enugu Rangers, all former winners of the topflight.
Barau FC and Kun Khalifat have also been promoted to the NPFL ahead of the 2025-26 season, increasing the number of clubs free of government ownership in the first division.