Umar Sadiq’s biggest win arrives far from Valencia and LaLiga | OneFootball

Nigeria international and Valencia CF striker Umar Sadiq has helped revive Ranchers Bees in his native Kaduna, a triumph forged away from LaLiga’s spotlight.

According to Superdeporte, Sadiq joined his friend and partner, Nigerian politician Bello El-Rufai, to take ownership in 2025, aiming to restore the club’s former standing. El-Rufai serves in the House of Representatives for Kaduna North.

Ranchers Bees were a force in the 1980s and 1990s, shining in West Africa and featuring prominently in continental competitions.

Sadiq grew up in Kaduna following the Bees, and the project carries a clear sporting goal, a return to Nigeria’s elite, and a social one, creating opportunities for young people and strengthening community identity.

The turnaround was swift. Within a year of the 2025 acquisition, Ranchers Bees won promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, ending a long stay outside the top flight.

Sadiq has thanked supporters, stakeholders and the people of Kaduna State for unwavering backing, and praised the state government’s commitment to sport and youth development. He described Ranchers Bees as a symbol of hope, opportunity and pride, and said the journey had only just begun with a focus on nurturing talent, uniting communities and pushing for greater achievements on and off the pitch.

Source: Superdeporte