Sports
Super Eagles Striker, Sadiq Umar Propels Ranchers Bees to Sign New Partnership Deal with Macron as Official Kit Sponsor
Following the recent acquisition of Ranchers Bees of Kaduna by Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar and Federal House of Representatives member Bello El Rufai, the club has announced a landmark partnership with European sportswear giants Macron.
The Italy-based brand, renowned for its quality and innovation in sportswear, signed a one year deal to kit Ranchers Bees ahead of the upcoming Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
Speaking on the transformation, the new owners emphasized their vision for the club’s revival: “We want to put a smile on the face of Kaduna people. This club means a lot to the state, and the new management is committed to restoring its glory,” Super Eagles hitman, Sadiq Umar stated.
“I am coming with a lot of experience as a player, while Hon. Bello brings strong corporate and administrative expertise as well. Together, we aim to reposition Ranchers Bees as a force in Nigerian football.”
Under the agreement, Macron will supply the club’s matchday kits, training wear, and travel apparel, ushering in a new era for the Kaduna-based side.
Ex-Junior international and former AS Roma player, Nura Abdullahi has been appointed President of the club, bringing his wealth of European football experience into leadership.
The partnership with Macron further validates the club’s new ambition. Macron currently outfits several top clubs across Europe, including Crystal Palace (2025 FA Cup Champions), Bologna (2025 Coppa Italia Champions), FC Basel, Standard Liège, Nantes, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, Blackburn Rovers, and many others.
With this sponsorship and new management structure, Ranchers Bees are set to re-establish themselves as one of Nigeria’s most respected football clubs.
The combination of global expertise, local passion, and corporate restructuring signals a bright future for the club.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News9 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
