Versatile player Muhammad Zilkifilu hit a hat-trick to steer Ranchers Bees to a comprehensive 4-0 bashing of Abia Warriors in his first outing of the 2026/27 NPFL season on Monday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The former Kano Pillars man, who missed the opening-day defeat at Ikorodu City last weekend, made his return to the Nigerian top flight memorable with three goals to help the Bees secure their first win of the season.
Following the 3-1 defeat at Ikorodu City, Ranchers Bees moved temporarily to Katsina to host the game against Abia Warriors. Despite playing away from home, they made light work of Imama Amapakabo’s men at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
Meanwhile, Abia Warriors came into the contest on the back of a goalless draw against Kun Khalifat, and they were close to going into the break without conceding a goal before Zulkifilu completed a brace in five minutes. The home side took the two-goal lead into the break.
Just after the hour mark, Zulkifilu completed his hat-trick before former Katsina United forward Jamilu Yusuf also grabbed his first Ranchers Bees goal in stoppage time to complete the rout. The win was enough to push the Kaduna side into the top four after two matches.
Bees travel to Barau FC in Kano for their next league outing, hoping to build on this performance this coming Sunday.
