Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Katsina United Football Club has officially unveiled 11 new players to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 top-flight season.
The new recruits were presented during an official ceremony at the club’s secretariat inside the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, led by Club Chairman and Supervising Coordinator, Surajo Malumfashi. Speaking to the press and stakeholders, Malumfashi expressed strong confidence that the fresh additions will give the technical crew deep competitive options as the “Chanji Boys” aim for top honours this campaign.
The recruitment drive cuts across all positions on the field, blending established NPFL performers with experienced international and regional talents:
Goalkeepers: Sierra Leonean shot-stopper Koroma Francis joins on a two-year contract from Wilber Force FC, alongside Kolawole Oladipo, who arrives from Bayelsa United.
Defenders: The backline sees significant reinforcements with central defenders Eric Ekpere (from Abia Warriors), Chinedu Ozor Benjamin (from Kano Pillars), and Abba Musa (from Wikki Tourists). Left-back Emmanuel Bakare also completes his move from Warri Wolves.
Midfielders: Former Akwa United captain Ubong Essien brings leadership in defensive midfield, alongside returning central midfielder Michael Ibeh Okoro, who rejoins the club following spells in Iraq and Uzbekistan.
Forwards: The attacking unit receives a major boost with former Enyimba and Rivers United striker Samson Obi signing a two-year deal. He is joined by winger Joshua Akpan from Shooting Stars and forward Lius Dadong from Kano Pillars on a one-year agreement.
With ten of the eleven recruits signing two-year contracts, management confirmed that this rebuilding strategy is aimed at establishing long-term tactical stability. Katsina United are continuing their intensive pre-season preparations at their training base in Katsina as the August 28 kick-off date approaches.
