Sadiq Umar’s Club Appoints Patrick Bassey as Head Coach
Ranchers Bees Football Club of Kaduna, owned by Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar, have officially unveiled Coach Patrick Bassey as their new head coach ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
The unveiling ceremony took place on Monday in Kaduna, with Club President Nura Bulala and Kaduna State Football Association Chairman Faisal Abdullahi in attendance. Both officials expressed confidence that Bassey’s appointment would bring a new era of success to the historic club.
In his first address, Coach Bassey thanked the club’s owner, Sadiq Umar, for the opportunity and promised to deliver promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
“They’ve given us a target — to promote the team to the NPFL. That’s what we are working towards,” Bassey said. “We want to bring joy back to Kaduna and to the fans of Ranchers Bees. This club has come to stay and will bring glory again.”
Bassey, an experienced coach known for his work in both the top flight and grassroots football, is seen as the right man to lead the team’s resurgence. His appointment signals the club’s serious intent to return to the top level of Nigerian football.
Also unveiled at the event was former national team goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, who pledged to use his experience to guide the team toward promotion.
“With the experience I’ve gained over the years, this is a great opportunity to help the young players and achieve our goal of promotion,” Daniel said.
Ranchers Bees, one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, will compete in Conference D of the new NNL season, facing tough opponents such as Gombe United, Yobe Desert Stars, and Kebbi United.
With Bassey in charge and Sadiq Umar’s backing, optimism is high in Kaduna that the Bees are ready to fight their way back to the NPFL and restore their proud legacy.
