Katsina United issue stern warning as top scorer Uche Collins goes AWOL amid European transfer rumours

Nigerian outfit, Katsina United, have issued a strong warning to their striker Uche Collins after the player allegedly went absent without official permission, sparking controversy and speculation about a potential move to Europe.

The Nigeria Premier Football League side disclosed that Collins has not reported to the club since February 22, 2026, raising serious concerns within the team’s management and technical staff.

According to the club, the forward’s last involvement with the team came during a league encounter against Rangers International F.C. at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Since that match, the striker has allegedly failed to return to the club for training sessions or other official engagements.

Katsina United officials also revealed that the player has vacated the club’s accommodation without notifying the management, further complicating the situation and fueling speculation about his whereabouts.

Speaking on the matter, the club’s chairman Surajo Mohammed confirmed that Collins has been absent from all club-related activities for several weeks.

“The player has been absent from the club’s activities without official permission since February 22, 2026, when he participated in our match against Rangers International Football Club,” Surajo said while addressing the issue.

Rumours have since emerged suggesting the striker could be negotiating a move to a European club, a claim that the Katsina United chairman did not entirely dismiss but strongly warned against.

“We’ve received rumors that he’s in talks with a European club, but let me make it clear: Uche Collins is a Katsina United player, and he has a binding contract with us until the end of the 2026/2027 football season,” he emphasized.

The chairman further cautioned any club considering approaching the player without following proper transfer procedures, stressing that Katsina United would not hesitate to pursue legal action if necessary.

“We warn any club entertaining the idea of poaching him to think twice, lest they face legal consequences and disciplinary action,” Surajo added.

Collins has been one of Katsina United’s standout performers this season, emerging as the club’s leading scorer and playing a vital role in their campaign in the Nigerian top flight. His goals have made him a key figure in the squad, which makes his sudden disappearance even more concerning for the club.

With tensions rising and speculation surrounding his future growing, the situation is likely to attract attention from football authorities and could escalate into a contractual dispute if not resolved soon.

For now, Katsina United remain firm in their stance: Uche Collins remains their player, and any attempt to secure his services outside proper transfer channels will be fiercely contested.