Mohammed Rabiu Zulkifilu delivered a standout display for Ranchers Bees yesterday, scoring three times as the newly promoted side swept aside Abia Warriors 4-0 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. His treble was the first hat-trick recorded in the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
The NPFL Matchday Two fixture had been scheduled for Sunday, but the game was pushed back by a day because the venue was unavailable.
Former Flying Eagles forward Zulkifilu made the difference, finding the net twice before the interval and completing his three-goal haul soon after the one-hour mark. Jamilu Yusuf then rounded off the win with a late fourth goal.
Abia Warriors competed well during the early stages and kept the hosts at bay for most of the first half. Their defence finally gave way in the 41st minute, when Zulkifilu broke the deadlock for Ranchers Bees.
The ex-Nigeria Under-20 attacker struck again in the 45th minute, sending the home side into the interval with a 2-0 lead and putting them firmly in control.
Abia Warriors’ prospects of recovering from the deficit faded completely in the 62nd minute. Zulkifilu completed his hat-trick at that point, becoming the first player to score three goals in one NPFL match this season.
Ranchers Bees remained on the front foot as they sought to increase their advantage, and Yusuf supplied the final blow in the 90th minute to seal a comprehensive 4-0 triumph.
The result represented a powerful reaction from Ranchers Bees after they opened their campaign with a 3-1 loss to Ikorodu City.
Abia Warriors, meanwhile, endured a disappointing evening after starting the season with a goalless draw against fellow newcomers Kun Khalifat.
The meeting in Katsina concluded a shortened Matchday Two schedule, which was reduced because several Nigerian clubs were engaged in CAF inter-club competitions.
