Katsina United 2026/27: Full Breakdown of All 11 New Signings

Katsina United have unveiled 11 new signings ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season, one of the biggest single squad rebuilds in the division this off-season. Club Chairman and Supervising Coordinator Surajo Malumfashi presented the players at a ceremony at the club’s secretariat inside the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on 31 July, saying the recruitment was designed to strengthen every department of the team. The overhaul comes just weeks before a tough opening assignment away to defending champions Enugu Rangers.

Who Has Katsina United Signed, and From Where?

All 11 signings, with position, previous club(s) and contract length as confirmed by the club:

• Koroma Francis — Goalkeeper. Previously of Wilber Force FC (Sierra Leone). 2-year contract.
• Samson Obi — Striker. Previous spells with Hapoel Haifa, Abia Warriors, Enyimba, Al Nasr and Al Anwar; joins from Rivers United. 2-year contract.
• Michael Ibeh Okoro — Central Midfielder. Previously with Abia Warriors, Akwa United, Plateau United, FC Andijon, Mash’al, Al Talaba SC and Al Tersana (also a former Katsina United player); joins from Remo Stars. 2-year contract.
• Ubong Essien — Defensive Midfielder. Joins from Akwa United. 2-year contract.
• Eric Ekpere — Central Defender. Previously with Ifeanyi Ubah and Akwa United; joins from Abia Warriors. 2-year contract.
• Chinedu Ozor Benjamin — Central Defender. Previously with Rising Stars, Abia Warriors, Sunshine Stars, Lobi Stars, Yobe Desert Stars and Heartland; joins from Kano Pillars. 2-year contract.
• Lius Dadong — Striker. Previously with Aminci Academy and Wikki Tourists; joins from Kano Pillars. 1-year contract — the only player not to sign a two-year deal.
• Kolawale Oladipo — Goalkeeper. Previously with Bendel Insurance, Kwara United and El-Kanemi Warriors; joins from Bayelsa United. 2-year contract.
• Joshua Akpan — Right Winger. Joins from Shooting Stars. 2-year contract.
• Emmanuel Bakare — Left Back. Joins from Warri Wolves. 2-year contract.
• Abba Musa — Central Defender. Previously with Plateau United; joins from Wikki Tourists. 2-year contract.

The Shape of the Rebuild

Sports247 Nigeria reports the intake reinforces every position group: Koroma Francis and Kolawale Oladipo compete for the goalkeeper spot; Eric Ekpere, Chinedu Ozor Benjamin and Abba Musa strengthen central defence, with Emmanuel Bakare adding cover at left-back and Joshua Akpan on the right flank; Michael Ibeh Okoro and Ubong Essien add midfield experience; and Samson Obi and Lius Dadong lead the striking options. Samson Obi in particular brings the most extensive résumé of the group, with spells in Israel and the Middle East alongside NPFL clubs Abia Warriors, Enyimba and Rivers United.

Ten of the eleven have signed two-year deals; only Lius Dadong is on a one-year contract. The club has not published which players are leaving to make room for the new arrivals — that detail isn’t confirmed anywhere in current reporting, so it isn’t included here.

A Tough Opening Fixture

Katsina United travel to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu to face Rangers on 30 August — a demanding first test for a squad still bedding in this much new personnel, against a club chasing a record 10th NPFL title.

FAQ: Katsina United 2026/27

How many new players has Katsina United signed for 2026/27?
Eleven — spanning every department from goalkeeper to attack, unveiled on 31 July 2026.

Who is Katsina United’s most experienced new signing?
Striker Samson Obi, who has played for Enyimba, Abia Warriors and Rivers United domestically as well as Hapoel Haifa and clubs in the Middle East.

Who do Katsina United play first in the 2026/27 NPFL season?
Katsina United open their campaign away to defending champions Enugu Rangers on 30 August 2026.

Katsina United Team Hub · Enugu Rangers 2026/27 Preview

Sources: Katsina United FC Media Directorate via Playballers, Sports247 Nigeria, Daily Post Nigeria.