How Dangote inspired my return to invest in Nigerian football — Umar Sadiq

Super Eagles striker and Chairman of Ranchers Bees FC, Umar Sadiq, has revealed that he was inspired by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, to return home and invest in Nigerian football.

Sadiq made the disclosure while speaking with journalists in Kaduna, where he outlined his vision for the newly promoted Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side and the future of grassroots football development in the state.

According to him, a message by Dangote urging successful Nigerians to invest in their communities influenced his decision to take over and revive the historic Kaduna-based club.

“To be honest, the idea came when I was watching an interview by Dangote where he advised that instead of investing money outside, people should come back home and invest in their own communities,” Sadiq said.

“I sat down and asked myself what I know best, and the answer was football. I felt this was the best thing I could give back to the community, so I decided to come home and invest in football.”

The  Valencia striker described Ranchers Bees as a club with deep personal significance, recalling that he grew up as a supporter and once served as a ball boy for the team.

“Ranchers Bees is part of my childhood. I have been a fan since day one. I used to go to the stadium as a child and work as a ball boy. It is a different feeling for me to be part of bringing the club back,” he said.

Sadiq said the club’s promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the NPFL marked only the beginning of a bigger project aimed at restoring Kaduna’s status as a football powerhouse.

“We are going gradually. Last season we played in the NNL and now we are in the NPFL. There is a lot of ambition, but this is just the beginning. We will go step by step and I hope Kaduna people will be proud of this team,” he said.

The footballer-turned-club owner disclosed that Ranchers Bees would continue to rely heavily on homegrown talent, noting that about 85 per cent of the current squad are indigenous players from Kaduna State.

“This team is built on 85 per cent Kaduna indigenous players and we will stick to that philosophy because this club is for Kaduna people,” he said.

Sadiq also revealed that he recently met with Governor Uba Sani on plans to secure land for a training facility that would help nurture young talents and create pathways for future professional footballers.

He said the long-term goal was to identify talented youths from the streets, develop them and create opportunities for them to play both locally and internationally.

“The mission is to take children off the streets, develop them and help them achieve their dreams. We have many talented players in Kaduna and across Nigeria. We need to create opportunities for them,” he said.

On the challenges facing Nigerian football, Sadiq called for reforms in league administration, particularly in the area of officiating.

According to him, referees should be funded and managed directly by league authorities rather than relying on host clubs for accommodation and welfare.

“The first thing that needs to be fixed is officiating. If clubs are responsible for taking care of referees, people will always question their independence. The league should take full responsibility for referees if we want things to improve,” he said.

The Super Eagles forward added that Ranchers Bees remains open to partnerships from corporate organisations, investors and supporters, stressing that sustainable football development requires collective ownership and participation.

“Ranchers Bees is not for one person. It is for everyone. Government, businesses, fans and individuals can all come in and contribute. The goal is to build a club that can eventually stand on its own,” he said.

Ranchers Bees will play their home matches at the Kaduna Township Stadium in the 2026/2027 NPFL season following the club’s return to the top flight.