Ranchers Bees Explode Into Life as Zilkifilu Hat-Trick Destroys Abia Warriors

Ranchers Bees produced the biggest statement of the early NPFL season on Monday, sweeping aside Abia Warriors 4–0 in Katsina as Muhammad Zilkifilu Rabiu announced himself with a devastating hat-trick.

The newly promoted side had already shown flashes of what they could offer, but a four-goal demolition of Abia Warriors has given Ranchers Bees their first victory of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season in emphatic fashion.

Playing at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Ranchers Bees turned a competitive opening period into a one-sided contest after Zilkifilu struck late in the first half.

By the time the final whistle arrived, the forward had three goals to his name and his team had secured a result that immediately changes the mood around their campaign.

Zilkifilu Takes Centre Stage

The match belonged to Zilkifilu.

The Ranchers Bees attacker broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, giving the home side the advantage they had been searching for.

He then doubled the lead just before half-time, scoring in the 45th minute to leave Abia Warriors facing a two-goal deficit at the interval.

Rather than allowing the visitors back into the contest, Ranchers Bees returned from the break with the same attacking intent.

Zilkifilu completed his hat-trick in the 53rd minute, putting the result beyond reasonable doubt and turning an impressive performance into a personal statement.

His three-goal haul came in his first NPFL appearance of the campaign and immediately makes him one of the players to watch as the season develops.

Ranchers Bees Add the Finishing Touch

The home side were not finished.

With Abia Warriors already struggling to recover from Zilkifilu's three-goal burst, Jamilu Yusuf added a fourth in the 84th minute.

The goal completed a comprehensive 4–0 victory and ensured Ranchers Bees finished the afternoon with four goals without reply.

For Abia Warriors, it was a particularly difficult afternoon.

The club had begun the season with a goalless draw against Kun Khalifat, but Monday's defeat leaves them still searching for their first victory after two matches.

A Major Response From the Promoted Side

Ranchers Bees' victory is particularly significant because their campaign had begun with disappointment.

They suffered a 3–1 defeat away to Ikorodu City on the opening weekend, meaning Monday's match represented their first opportunity to respond in front of their supporters.

They did far more than simply respond.

Four goals, a clean sheet and a hat-trick have immediately given the promoted club momentum heading into their next fixture.

The official NPFL results confirm the 4–0 scoreline, with Ranchers Bees now recording their first win of the 2026/27 campaign.

Abia Warriors Have Work to Do

For Abia Warriors, the result exposes a problem that will need addressing quickly.

They have now taken just one point from their opening two matches and have yet to score in the league this season.

Their next opportunity comes against Ikorodu City on September 13, giving the club little time to dwell on the heavy defeat.

Ranchers Bees, meanwhile, will travel to face Barau FC on the same day, hoping to build on the momentum created by their biggest performance of the campaign so far.

The Bigger NPFL Picture

The result adds another layer to an intriguing opening to the 2026/27 NPFL season.

Several promoted sides are attempting to establish themselves among Nigeria's top-flight clubs, and Ranchers Bees have now shown that they are capable of producing results that demand attention.

The most encouraging element may be the manner of the victory.

This was not a narrow win secured through a late goal or a defensive escape. Ranchers Bees scored four times, kept Abia Warriors scoreless and had one player produce a hat-trick.

If Zilkifilu can maintain anything close to this level of output, Ranchers Bees may have found an important attacking weapon for their first season back among Nigeria's elite.

For now, though, the message from Katsina is simple:

Ranchers Bees have arrived — and they are not planning to make up the numbers.

🔥 Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: Zilkifilu's hat-trick was the performance of the day.

🔥 Fire: Ranchers Bees have sent an early warning to the rest of the NPFL.

😱 Shock: Abia Warriors are still without a goal after two league matches.

👍 Like: A four-goal response after losing their opening fixture is exactly what Ranchers Bees needed.

💬 Comment: Can Ranchers Bees turn this result into a serious push for a strong first season back in the NPFL?