Katsina United declares Uche Collins AWOL amid contract dispute 

A fresh controversy has emerged in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after Katsina United declared their forward, Uche Collins, absent without official leave (AWOL).

The club’s chairman, Surajo Umar Baba, confirmed in a statement that the player has not been seen since the team’s league fixture against Rangers International on February 22, 2026.

The match, played at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, was the last time the club reportedly had any official contact with the forward.

According to the statement, the player’s absence constitutes a serious breach of contract rather than a routine administrative issue. The club maintained that Collins remains legally bound to Katsina United under a contract that runs until the end of the 2026/2027 season.

“Uche Collins is a registered player of Katsina United. He has not been granted permission to be absent, and his failure to report for duties constitutes a violation of his professional obligations,” the chairman stated.

The club also issued a warning to other teams, stressing that any club attempting to negotiate with or sign the player without following the appropriate transfer procedures could face legal consequences.

Katsina United said it would take action against any side that engages the player without securing the necessary clearance, including an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) where applicable.

Collins’ absence is considered a major setback for the team, popularly known as the “Chanji Boys.”

Over the past two seasons, the forward has been one of the club’s most influential players.

Katsina United declares Uche Collins AWOL amid contract dispute