Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq has officially acquired Nigeria National League (NNL) side Ranchers Bees, Afrosport reports.
The 28-year-old purchased the club in partnership with prominent politician Bello El-Rufai, the Federal House of Representatives member from Kaduna-North.
As part of the club’s new leadership, former footballer Nura Abdullahi, who once shared the pitch with Sadiq in Italy, has been appointed President.
The new ownership group has pledged to restore the historic Kaduna-based club to its former prominence.
Ranchers Bees, a once-celebrated team in Nigerian football, is set to undergo a significant transformation. The new owners are implementing a strategic vision that includes the establishment of both an academy and a professional team to compete in the upcoming NNL season.
Sadiq, currently playing for Real Sociedad in Spain, reflected on his childhood memories of the club and expressed a deep sense of pride in leading its revival. He highlighted the overwhelming support from fans and the local community in Kaduna, affirming their commitment to bringing excitement back to the stands.
“I and my partner Hon. Bello El-Rufai want to return the club to its old glory days. Growing up, I watched Rancher Bees of Kaduna, a club that produced countless players,” he said.
“It’s a thing of pride and joy for us to be the bona fide owners of the club,” Sadiq continued. “The new owners have ambitious plans, with Rancher Bees FC fielding both an academy team and a professional side for the NNL campaign.”
“I’m elated by the feedback from Rancher Bees supporters and the people of Kaduna. We will bring back the old memories of the club and return the fans to the stadium.”
During its golden era, Ranchers Bees produced several Nigerian footballers including Daniel Amokachi, Dahiru Sadi, Dominic Iorfa, Davidson Owumi, Ayo Ogunlana during their glorious days. They won the WAFU Cup in 1993.
