Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq has completed the acquisition of Ranchers Bees FC, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated clubs of the 1980s and 90s, Footynaija.com reports.
Making a bold foray into football ownership, Sadiq teams up with Kaduna politician Hon. Bello El-Rufai to breathe new life into Ranchers Bees FC.
Sadiq, one of Nigeria’s most expensive transfers in La Liga history, becomes one of a few Super Eagles stars to own a club.
The Real Sociedad forward confirmed the deal to acquire the club, pledging to restore its former status as a powerhouse and secure promotion to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) within two seasons.
Press Release: Mr. Sadiq Umar, Hon. Bello El-Rufai have secured ownership rights of Rancher Bees FC. Super Eagles striker and Real Sociedad forward, Sadiq Umar, alongside current House of Representatives member (Kaduna North), Hon. Bello El-Rufai, have officially acquired Rancher… pic.twitter.com/hBOeeCYMuu
— Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai (@B_ELRUFAI) August 11, 2025
Former AS Roma defender Nura Abdullahi will serve as club president, overseeing operations and strategic planning.
“This is more than football — it’s about pride and opportunity for Kaduna,” Sadiq said. “Growing up, I saw Ranchers Bees produce great players. Owning the club is a privilege, and we want to bring back those days.”
Founded in the 1970s, Ranchers Bees enjoyed a golden period, winning the 1989 WAFU Cup and consistently challenging for the NPFL title before financial troubles led to their decline.
The new ownership will rebrand the team as Ranchers Bees Kaduna, build a youth academy, and invest in professional structures aimed at sustainable success.
Masha Allah,Sport For The Youth Weldon Sir Muna Gdy member Hon @B_ELRUFAI Namu ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/SCIESAosbG
— Shamsu SS (@shamsuadam311) August 11, 2025
This ambitious move follows the rising trend of privately-owned success stories in Nigerian football, with Remo Stars and Ikorodu City recently making headlines.
Remo Stars are the reigning NPFL champions while Ikorodu City finished in fourth place last season in their debut campaign. While Barau FC and Kun Khalifat are the new privately-owned clubs in the NPFL, Ranchers Bees could join them in the next couple of years.
Meanwhile, Ranchers Bees will compete in the Nigerian National League next season.