Ranchers Bees set sights on NPFL return

Ranchers Bees Football Club have declared their intent to mount a serious challenge for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and restore the pride of one of Nigeria’s most storied football institutions, following the unveiling of Coach Patrick Bassey as their new head coach ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season. […]

Ranchers Bees Football Club have declared their intent to mount a serious challenge for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and restore the pride of one of Nigeria’s most storied football institutions, following the unveiling of Coach Patrick Bassey as their new head coach ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

The unveiling ceremony, held on Monday in Kaduna, drew prominent football figures and media representatives. Among those in attendance were Club President Nura Bulala and Kaduna State Football Association Chairman Faisal Abdullahi, both of whom expressed optimism that Bassey’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era for the club.

In his first address as head coach, Bassey expressed gratitude to the club’s owner, Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar, for the opportunity and vowed to meet the club’s primary objective — gaining promotion to the NPFL.

“They’ve given us a target to promote the team to the NPFL. That’s what we’re working towards,” Bassey said. “We want to bring joy back to Kaduna and to the fans of Ranchers Bees, to show that this club has come to stay and will bring glory once again.”

A seasoned tactician with years of experience in both top-flight and grassroots football, Bassey is widely respected for his technical discipline and player development expertise. His appointment is being viewed as a bold statement of intent by the club’s management, determined to restore Ranchers Bees to their rightful place among Nigeria’s elite football clubs.

Also unveiled during the event was goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, a former national team shot-stopper, who pledged to use his wealth of experience to guide the younger players and strengthen the team’s promotion bid.

“With the vast experience I’ve gathered over the years, it’s a wonderful opportunity to impact the young players and help the team achieve our goal of promotion,” Daniel stated.

Ranchers Bees are set to compete in Conference D of the upcoming NNL season, where they will battle strong contenders including Gombe United, Yobe Desert Stars, and Kebbi United.

With Bassey at the helm, new reinforcements in place, and renewed belief within the squad, optimism is high in Kaduna that the iconic Ranchers Bees can mount a serious promotion charge and reclaim their historic status in Nigerian football.