Katsina United have moved decisively in the market, unveiling 11 new faces built for the long haul as the club targets stability and top honours this season.
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NPFL side Katsina United have officially unveiled 11 new signings to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/27 top flight season.
The new recruits were presented at an official ceremony at the club’s secretariat inside the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, led by club chairman and supervising coordinator Surajo Malumfashi. He expressed confidence that the fresh additions would give the technical crew strong competitive options as the “Chanji Boys” target silverware this campaign.
Reinforcements Across Every Position
The recruitment drive spans the full squad, blending established NPFL performers with international and regional talent. In goal, Sierra Leonean shot stopper Koroma Francis joins on a two year deal from Wilber Force FC, alongside Kolawole Oladipo from Bayelsa United.
The backline has been significantly reinforced with central defenders Eric Ekpere, arriving from Abia Warriors, and Abba Musa from Wikki Tourists, along with left-back Emmanuel Bakare from Warri Wolves.
In midfield, former Akwa United captain Ubong Essien brings leadership experience in the holding role, while Michael Ibeh Okoro rejoins the club following spells abroad in Iraq and Uzbekistan. Up front, former Enyimba and Rivers United striker Samson Obi headlines the attacking additions on a two year deal, joined by winger Joshua Akpan from Shooting Stars and forward Lius Dadong from Kano Pillars on a one year agreement.
| Position | Player | Previous Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Koroma Francis | Wilber Force FC |
| Goalkeeper | Kolawole Oladipo | Bayelsa United |
| Defender | Eric Ekpere | Abia Warriors |
| Defender | Abba Musa | Wikki Tourists |
| Left-back | Emmanuel Bakare | Warri Wolves |
| Midfielder | Ubong Essien | Akwa United |
| Midfielder | Michael Ibeh Okoro | Clubs in Iraq and Uzbekistan |
| Striker | Samson Obi | Rivers United |
| Winger | Joshua Akpan | Shooting Stars |
| Forward | Lius Dadong | Kano Pillars |
Building For The Long Term
With the majority of the new recruits signing two-year contracts, club management confirmed the rebuilding strategy is designed to establish long-term tactical stability rather than a quick fix. Katsina United continue intensive pre-season preparations at their Katsina training base as the August 28 season kickoff approaches.

