Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar and Bello el-Rufai have taken over Ranchers Bees FC, one of northern Nigeria’s oldest football clubs.
The deal, confirmed in a statement on Monday, gives the pair full ownership rights of the Kaduna-based team.
Founded in the 1970s, Ranchers Bees were once a dominant force in Nigerian football. They finished as runners-up in the 1988 CAF Cup Winners’ Cup, losing narrowly to Tunisia’s CA Bizertin in the final. But in recent years, the club has struggled in the lower divisions.
Umar said the plan is to restore Ranchers Bees to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Bello el-Rufai, son of former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai, represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.