Ranchers Bees hit Abia Warriors for four as Zulkifilu scores hat-trick

Ranchers Bees began their Nigeria Premier Football League season with a statement victory, defeating Abia Warriors 4-0 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Sunday.

Mohammed Zulkifilu was the decisive figure, scoring three times as Ranchers Bees secured their first win of the campaign in emphatic fashion. His hat-trick gave the home side a commanding advantage before Yusuf completed the scoring in the final minute.

The match was the second of the season for both clubs, but their results leave them in contrasting positions. Ranchers Bees now have their first victory, while Abia Warriors remain without a win after two matches.

Zulkifilu broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, giving Ranchers Bees the lead late in the first half. The forward then struck again on the stroke of half-time, ensuring the hosts went into the interval with a two-goal advantage.

That second goal strengthened Ranchers Bees’ control of the contest and left Abia Warriors facing a difficult task after the break. The visitors were unable to reduce the deficit, and Zulkifilu completed his hat-trick two minutes after the hour mark.

His third goal put Ranchers Bees firmly in command and turned an already difficult afternoon for Abia Warriors into a comprehensive defeat. The home side continued to hold their advantage as the match moved towards its conclusion.

Yusuf added the fourth goal in the 90th minute, putting the finishing touch to Ranchers Bees’ first victory of the season. The final score reflected the hosts’ superiority on the day and gave them a perfect response after beginning the campaign without a win.

For Abia Warriors, the result extended their wait for a first success of the season. After two matches, they remain winless, while Ranchers Bees can take confidence from both the result and the manner in which it was achieved.

Zulkifilu’s three-goal performance was the main feature of the match. His opening strike arrived before half-time, his second came immediately before the interval, and his third followed shortly after the hour mark. Yusuf’s late contribution completed a four-goal display for Ranchers Bees at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

The 4-0 result therefore delivered Ranchers Bees their first victory in the campaign and left Abia Warriors still searching for their opening win in the Nigeria Premier Football League.