“This Is Massive”: Super Eagles Star & House of Reps Member Acquire Football Club in Nigeria

“This Is Massive”: Super Eagles Star & House of Reps Member Acquire Football Club in Nigeria

  • Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar has made a bold move by securing a football club in Nigeria, becoming the first active player to own a local club
  • The Olympic bronze medallist partnered with a current House of Representatives member to seal the move
  • Football fans have reacted positively to the acquisition of a local club by the former AS Roma forward

Sadiq Umar is preparing for life after football, as he acquired a local football club in Nigeria.

The former Nigeria U23 spent a significant part of his holidays in the country mingling with his childhood friends and teammates, including Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa.

The 28-year-old, who joined Valencia on loan from Real Sociedad in January 2025, was named La Liga Goal of the Month winner for March.

Super Eagles, Sadiq Umar, Kaduna State, Ranchers Bees, Valencia, Nigeria.
Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar and Honourable Bello El-Rufai are the new owners of Ranchers Bees of Kaduna. Photo by: IshaqAboubaqar.
Source: Instagram

Umar buys football club

Super Eagles star Sadiq Umar, in partnership with a House of Representatives member (Kaduna North), Bello El-Rufai, has officially taken over the leadership of Ranchers Bees.

Read also

“You made this happen”: Super Falcons star thanks Benue indigenes for support during WAFCON

According to Punch, Umar revealed that the move aims to revive the old memories of the club for the people of Northern Nigeria.

The former Almería star explained that he grew up watching the team, which has produced numerous stars who have represented Nigeria at various continental and international competitions. Umar said:

"I and my current partner, Honourable Bello El-Rufai have a big dream of returning the club to it's past glory days.
"I grew up watching Ranchers Bees of Kaduna, a club that produced countless players, including Super Eagles legend Daniel Amokachi."
Super Eagles, Sadiq Umar, Ranchers Bees, Kaduna State, Nigeria football.
Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar is the new owner of Ranchers Bees FC of Kaduna. Photo by: MB Media.
Source: Getty Images

Ranchers Bees target NPFL, name president

Owners of Ranchers Bees have named former AS Roma defender, Nura Abdullahi, as their president.

According to Sports Intel, Ranchers Bees will compete in the 2025/26 Nigeria National League (NNL), with the mandate of qualifying for the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Umar said the former defender has been given full operation and long-term strategy to revive the club. The Super Eagles star said:

Read also

WAFCON winner Michelle Alozie treated to heroic welcome as she returns to United States

"The team is set to compete in the Nigeria National League (NNL) in the upcoming season.
“Our target is to secure promotion to the NPFL. I’m elated by the feedback from Rancher Bees supporters and the people of Kaduna."

Fans react

@Strydizzle said:

"Finally, Ranchers Bees that I grew up knowing will be back 🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿."

@ahmadatmos wrote:

"Beautiful. I want all Nigerian football clubs to be fully privatized. The government should let go and you'll see how quickly things change."

@oil_shaeikh added:

"I’m so happy about this acquisition, hopefully your leadership and passion of Sadık will give Arewa talents wasting away the necessary platform to shine in both the national league, national team and international competitions."

"Allah ya taimaka."

@Abubakar_Mhmmad wrote:

"This is truly a welcome development, we've been yearning for something of this magnitude. Kudos to the both of you and in Ranchers Bees 🐝 we've finally find something to hold onto and be proud of. Go #Ranchers."

Read also

Days after Tinubu's $100k, N30m from Ondo, Falcons star bags chieftaincy title in Lagos

Umar gets loud ovation in Kaduna

Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar is using the holidays to reconnect with his roots and train with his boyhood club Kusa Boys at the Minister's Field in Unguwar Kanawa, Kaduna.

The former Valencia forward featured in a friendly between Barau FC and Kaduna Professionals on Monday, June 16.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dare Kuti avatar

Dare Kuti (Sports Editor) Dare Kuti is a CAVB-accredited journalist based in Nigeria. He is renowned for his work in football, volleyball, wrestling, taekwondo and handball. He has covered several major competitions including the African Games hosted by Morocco and Ghana, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, CAF Events, as well as grassroots competitions across the continent. Email: dare.kuti@corp.legit.ng.