Head Coach of Ranchers Bees Football Club, Patrick Bassey, has stepped down with immediate effect, alleging unsafe working conditions, poor welfare for players and staff, and direct interference in technical decisions by the club’s management.
Bassey announced his exit in a resignation letter dated December 2, 2025, addressed to the club chairman. He said the environment at the Kaduna-based club had become “unprofessional and intolerable,” despite the team’s strong early-season form. Ranchers Bees currently sit second on the league table after three matches.
The former coach said he repeatedly raised concerns about the management’s insistence on night travel after fixtures — including trips to and from the club’s temporary home ground in Minna, Niger State — calling the practice “dangerous” and unnecessary.
Bassey also claimed he faced threats from supporters before and after matches, adding that the management not only his complaints but sometimes “instigated supporters to harass the head coach.”
In the letter, Bassey criticised the club’s failure to provide basic welfare support for players and officials.
He noted that the absence of a camp hindered player monitoring, while the lack of essential equipment — including football boots — affected performance. He described the feeding arrangement as “absurd,” saying the team often depended on pre-packaged meals while preparing for league matches.
Bassey further alleged discriminatory treatment during a fixture in Kebbi, where players received ₦10,000 for feeding while he was given ₦5,000. He also faulted the club for failing to provide official mobility for the head coach, which he said was part of his employment terms.
Bassey accused club officials of repeatedly disrupting technical sessions and team talks, alleging they altered substitution decisions during matches. He said the interference “distracted from team progress” and prevented him from implementing a consistent coaching strategy.
While thanking fans for their support, Bassey said the combination of security concerns, welfare lapses and persistent administrative interference made it “impossible to continue” as head coach.
His resignation is expected to generate debate within Kaduna’s football community, particularly given the club’s strong start to the season.
Ranchers Bees management has not yet issued an official response.
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