Katsina United Sign Former Akwa United Captain Ubong Essien

Katsina United have announced the signing of former Akwa United captain Ubong Essien, popularly known as Kante, ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The defensive midfielder has signed a two-year contract with the Katsina-based club as he begins a new chapter in his career.

Ubong was the captain of Akwa United during the 2025/2026 season, when the Uyo-based club competed in the second tier of Nigerian football.

His move to Katsina United will see him return to the NPFL as he looks to bring his experience and leadership to the team.

The 2026/2027 season will not be his first experience of life in northern Nigeria. Having grown up in the North, Ubong is familiar with the weather, culture and language, which should make it easier for him to settle into his new environment.

Katsina United unveiled Ubong alongside a number of other new signings during a ceremony at the club’s secretariat inside the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

The club’s Chairman and Supervising Coordinator, Surajo Malumfashi, expressed confidence in the quality and experience of the new players.

He said the recruitment was part of the club’s efforts to build a competitive squad capable of achieving its targets in the new season.

Other players unveiled by Katsina United include goalkeeper Koroma Francis, striker Samson Obi, midfielder Michael Ibeh Okoro, defender Eric Ekpere, central defender Chinedu Ozor Benjamin, striker Lius Dadong, goalkeeper Kolawale Oladipo, winger Joshua Akpan, left-back Emmanuel Bakare and central defender Abba Musa.

Most of the new players have signed two-year contracts, while Lius Dadong has agreed to a one-year deal.

For Ubong Essien, the move represents another opportunity to continue his football career at the highest level in Nigeria after captaining Akwa United in the second tier last season.

Katsina United will be hoping the experience and leadership of the former Akwa United skipper can help the club make a strong push in the 2026/2027 NPFL season.