Sadiq Umar, El-Rufai Take Ownership of Rancher Bees FC
Super Eagles striker and Real Sociedad forward, Sadiq Umar, alongside current House of Representatives member Bello El-Rufai, have officially acquired Rancher Bees FC of Kaduna.
The historic Kaduna-based football club, which has been in limbo for sometime, is now set to compete in the lower league, the Nigeria National League (NNL), in the upcoming season.
Rancher Bees FC is a traditional name in Nigerian football, having produced several former internationals and enjoyed a rich legacy in the Nigerian top league.
Speaking on the acquisition, Sadiq Umar expressed excitement about reviving the club, saying “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. It’s a thing of pride and joy for us to be the bonafide owners of the club”.
The new owners have ambitious plans, with Rancher Bees FC fielding both an academy team and a professional side for the NNL campaign.
“Our target is to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier League (NPFL). 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,” Sadiq added.
With the backing of the passionate Kaduna fanbase, the new era for Rancher Bees FC promises an exciting journey toward restoring its storied past.
Originally known as the DIC Bees, the club was bought by Muktar Mohammed Aruwa in the 1980s and renamed Ranchers Bees.
They were promoted to the NPFL after the 2008–09 season by finishing second in the Division 1 with 51 points. The were relegated to the NNL with two games left after a 6–0 loss to Kwara United. They were NNL runners up in the NNL 2009/10 season, and champions in 2012/13 season.
