Ranchers Bees Unveil Patrick Bassey as New Head Coach

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Ranchers Bees Football Club of Kaduna 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, with top football dignitaries and media representatives in attendance.

Among the notable personalities present were Club President, Nura Bulala, and Kaduna State Football Association Chairman, Faisal Abdullahi, who both expressed optimism that Coach Bassey’s appointment would mark a new era of success for the historic club.

Speaking shortly after his unveiling, Coach Bassey expressed gratitude to the club’s owner and Super Eagles Stiker, Sadiq Umar, for the opportunity to lead the team, pledging to deliver on the mandate given to him.

“They’ve given us a target — to promote the team to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL). That is what we are working towards. 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,” he said.

Coach Bassey, with years of experience across top-tier and grassroots football, brings with him a wealth of technical know-how, discipline, and ambition. His arrival is seen as a statement of intent by Ranchers Bees as they seek to reclaim their place among the elite sides in Nigerian football.

Also unveiled during the event was goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, a former national team shot-stopper who vowed to use his experience to strengthen the squad’s promotion push.

“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 will compete in Conference D of the 2025/2026 NNL season, where they are set to face tough opposition including Gombe United, Yobe Desert Stars, and Kebbi United, among others.