Mindset Over Venue: Audu Vows Katsina United Can Conquer Any Away Ground

Katsina United’s technical adviser, Azeez Audu, has laid down a marker for the second half of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, asserting that his squad possesses the psychological fortitude to claim maximum points on any pitch in the country. Following a gritty first stanza that saw the “Chanji Boys” navigate some of the league’s most hostile environments, Audu believes that a “limitless mindset” is the primary weapon in their arsenal as they look to climb the table in 2026.

The Katsina-based side concluded the first round with a respectable record on the road, securing two wins and three draws from their 10 away fixtures. Their most recent triumph—a narrow 1-0 victory over Kun Khalifat FC in Owerri—served as a definitive proof of concept for Audu’s tactical approach. Speaking to the club’s media department as the team prepares to resume training this January, the coach emphasized that the location of the match is secondary to the mental preparation of the players.

“With the right mindset, we can pick points anywhere,” Audu stated, dismissing the traditional home-ground advantage that often dominates Nigerian football narratives. He insisted that the quality of the pitch or the stature of the opponent should not dictate the outcome of a game. This philosophy has seemingly trickled down to the squad, which showed remarkable resilience in December, securing crucial draws against heavyweights like Rivers United and Ikorodu City before the mid-season break.

The “Chanji Boys” are currently refueling after a one-week hiatus, with players and staff expected back in camp this Sunday to begin preparations for the second stanza. The tactical focus will likely remain on defensive solidity and clinical transitions—traits that defined their successful away days in the first half of the campaign. Audu noted that maintaining this “road warrior” mentality will be essential if the club is to improve on its mid-table standing and challenge the league’s frontrunners.

Katsina United will not have to wait long to put this theory to the test again, though their next encounter brings them back to familiar territory. They are scheduled to host Kun Khalifat FC in the reverse fixture later this month, a match that will be played in Ilorin due to the ongoing stadium adjustments. While the venue may be neutral, Audu is confident that the momentum gained from their away successes will carry over, regardless of where the referee blows the starting whistle.

As the NPFL prepares for its final stretch, Audu’s message is clear: the age of the “away-day pushover” is over for Katsina United. By fostering a culture where victory is sought with equal intensity in every stadium, the technical adviser is hoping to turn his team into the most feared travelers in the league. For the fans in Katsina and beyond, this renewed confidence offers a glimpse of a team that is finally ready to compete for the highest honors on its own terms.