Katsina United unveil 11 recruits ahead of 2026/27 NPFL season

Katsina United have unveiled 11 new players as they reshape their squad for the 2026/27 Nigeria Professional Football League season. The club finished ninth in the 2026 campaign, collecting 51 points from 36 matches, and has now strengthened every area of the team.

The new arrivals were presented at the club secretariat inside Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. Club chairman and supervising coordinator Surajo Malumfashi led the ceremony and said the additions would provide the technical staff with more options as Katsina United pursue a stronger campaign.

Sierra Leonean goalkeeper Koroma Francis joins from Wilber Force FC on a two-year contract, while goalkeeper Kolawole Oladipo arrives from Bayelsa United. The defensive group includes central defenders Eric Ekpere of Abia Warriors, Chinedu Ozor Benjamin of Kano Pillars and Abba Musa of Wikki Tourists. Left-back Emmanuel Bakare has moved from Warri Wolves.

Former Akwa United captain Ubong Essien has been added to the midfield, alongside Michael Ibeh Okoro, who returns to Katsina United after spells in Iraq and Uzbekistan. The attack now includes Samson Obi, formerly of Enyimba and Rivers United, Joshua Akpan from Shooting Stars and Lius Dadong from Kano Pillars. Obi has signed for two years, while Dadong has agreed a one-year deal.

Ten of the 11 recruits have signed two-year contracts, with the club presenting the recruitment plan as a move designed to build greater continuity. Katsina United are continuing pre-season work at their training base in Katsina before the new campaign.

The overhaul follows a mixed 2026 season in which Katsina United won 14 matches, drew nine and lost 13, scoring 30 goals and conceding 32. Their recent five-match sequence contained two wins and three defeats, including a 4-1 victory over Ikorodu City and a 3-2 win against Bayelsa United. The next fixture is away to Enugu Rangers on 30 August 2026.