NPFL: Cattle Bees appoint Ma’aji Muhammad as new head coach following departure of Usman Abd’Allah

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) newcomers Ranchers Bees have appointed Ma’aji Muhammad as their new head coach for the remainder of the 2026/2027 season, following the departure of technical advisor Usman Abd’Allah by mutual agreement.

READ ALSO: NPFL: Cattle Bees part ways with Usman Abd’Allah after just 115 days, two wins in nine matches | Sports247 Nigeria

Sports247 reports that the appointment comes after the Kaduna-based club suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Shooting Stars in their matchday 9 encounter in Ibadan on Friday, October 16, 2026.

Muhammad now takes charge of a Ranchers Bees team looking to rediscover their form and improve their league standing after a difficult start to the campaign.

The decision to appoint Muhammad represents a new chapter for the newly promoted team as they seek to establish themselves in Nigeria’s top flight.

The Ranchers Bees have struggled for consistency in their first nine league matches, recording just two wins, two draws and five losses. The club’s latest setback came against Shooting Stars where goals from Desmond Ojietefian, Damilola Akinola and Qamar Adegoke condemned the Kaduna team to a 3-1 defeat.

Although Isah Ndala Aliyu scored for Ranchers Bees and goalkeeper Tofa saved a penalty in the second half, their efforts were insufficient to avoid another defeat.

The result increased pressure on the club’s technical team and ultimately preceded Abd’Allah’s departure.

Abd’Allah’s term came to an end after only 115 days in office. The club confirmed his departure along with some members of the coaching staff in an official statement.

“Ranchers Bees Kaduna confirms that the club has parted ways with technical advisor Usman Abdullah and some members of the technical team by mutual agreement,” the statement read.

During his nine NPFL matches in charge, Abd’Allah recorded two wins, two draws and five losses, collecting eight points from a possible 27. His departure leaves Muhammad with the responsibility of addressing the team’s inconsistent results and restoring trust within the team.

For Ma’aji Muhammad, the appointment presents an opportunity to guide the Ranchers Bees through a crucial period of their return to top-flight football.

The new coach is expected to improve the team’s performance, strengthen the defensive organization and help the players turn competitive performances into positive results.

Having collected eight points from their first nine matches, the Ranchers Bees need greater consistency to avoid becoming embroiled in a prolonged struggle near the bottom of the table.

Muhammad will also face the challenge of motivating a team that has been through a difficult sequence of results.

The change of manager underlines the club’s determination to improve its fortunes before the season progresses.

With Muhammad appointed for the remainder of the campaign, attention will now turn to how quickly he can implement his ideas and produce a positive response from the players.

The upcoming games will provide an early indication of whether the management change can deliver the improvement the Ranchers Bees need.

For the newly promoted Kaduna club, the message is clear: Ma’aji Muhammad has been tasked with the responsibility of turning around a difficult start and helping the Ranchers Bees secure their place in the Nigerian Premier Football League.