Premier League: Ranchers Bees appoint Abdallah as head coach

Newly promoted NPFL side Ranchers Bees have appointed former Enyimba title-winning coach Usman Abdallah on a two-year contract ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The appointment is part of the club’s strategy to consolidate its return to the elite division and build a competitive team capable of challenging for honours.

Mr Abdallah, one of Nigeria’s most experienced coaches, previously managed Enyimba International, Kano Pillars, Katsina United and Remo Stars, while also handling USCN Cavaliers of the Benin Republic.

His biggest achievement came with Enyimba, where he guided the People’s Elephant to the 2018/19 Nigeria Professional Football League title and also led the club to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Speaking on Friday, the proprietor and president of Ranchers Bees FC, Jamilu Haruna, described Mr Abdallah’s appointment as a significant step toward restoring the club’s status among Nigeria’s football elite.

“We are delighted to welcome Coach Usman Abdallah to Ranchers Bees. His record speaks for itself, and we believe his experience, discipline, and winning mentality will help us achieve our objectives.

“Our immediate goal is to establish ourselves in the NPFL, but beyond that, we want Ranchers Bees to compete for continental tickets and return to the glorious days when the club was one of Nigeria’s football powerhouses,” he said.

Mr Haruna added that the management would provide the technical crew with the necessary support to succeed.

“We are committed to giving the coach an enabling environment, quality players and every support required to build a strong and competitive team,” he said.

Reacting to his appointment, Mr Abdallah thanked the management for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to justify the trust.

“It is an honour to join a historic club like Ranchers Bees. I understand the expectations that come with this job, and I am ready to work with the players, management and supporters to build a team everyone will be proud of.

“We want to create a disciplined and competitive squad that can compete favourably in the NPFL. Success requires hard work, patience, and unity, and I believe, together, we can achieve our goals,” he said.

The coach also promised to combine experienced players with talented youngsters from the club’s youth development system.

Ranchers Bees, one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, gained promotion to the NPFL after an impressive campaign in the Nigeria National League (NNL).

The Kaduna-based side also boasts a rich history, having finished runners-up in the 1988 African Cup Winners’ Cup.

(NAN)