Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar and Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North in the House of Representatives, have become the new owners of Ranchers Bees Football Club — one of Kaduna’s most iconic teams.
The deal was confirmed in a statement on Monday.
Ranchers Bees, founded in the 1970s, was once a powerhouse in northern Nigerian football but has struggled in recent years, competing in the lower divisions.
Umar, whose business partner Bello is the son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, said their goal is to restore the club’s former glory.
“Growing up, I watched Ranchers Bees produce countless players. It’s a thing of pride and joy to now be part of its ownership,” Umar said. “The support from fans and people of Kaduna has been incredible. We’re determined to bring back the excitement and fill the stadium once again.”
Both men have pledged to invest heavily in the team’s revival, with the ambition of securing promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as soon as possible.
