Kun Khalifat FC have announced their immediate withdrawal from the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), citing what the club describes as unfair and disproportionate sanctions imposed by league authorities following their failure to honour a scheduled fixture. The Owerri-based side confirmed the decision in a strongly worded statement on Wednesday.
The newly promoted club’s exit comes after the NPFL penalised them for not showing up for their Matchday 24 clash against El-Kanemi Warriors, awarding a 3-0 win to the away side and deducting three points and three goals from Kun Khalifat’s record.
The NPFL sanctioned Kun Khalifat FC for failing to appear for their fixture in Maiduguri, leading to the loss being forfeited and the penalties imposed under league rules. In addition to the three point and three goal penalty, the club was hit with a ₦10 million fine, which was suspended for the season provided no repeat breach occurred.
In response, Kun Khalifat issued a statement condemning the decision as unjust and lacking transparency. The club argued that it had communicated valid reasons for not fulfilling the fixture, including logistical challenges but felt the league’s response was punitive rather than supportive.
“This punishment is not only unacceptable but a clear indication that the league’s management is more interested in penalising clubs than fostering growth and development,” the club said as it confirmed its withdrawal from the elite division.
Kun Khalifat FC called on other NPFL clubs to push for reforms and greater accountability within the league’s governance structures, arguing that the current approach undermines the challenges faced by clubs operating in Nigeria’s top flight.
Supporters and stakeholders were thanked for their backing, with the club indicating it would explore alternative platforms to continue its football activities and represent its community despite no longer participating in the NPFL.
Editorial
Kun Khalifat FC’s withdrawal from the NPFL underscores the growing tensions between football clubs and league administrators over governance, logistics, and the operational realities of Nigerian football. Newly promoted sides like Kun Khalifat often arrive with ambition and energy, but also face significant financial and logistical pressures that can test even the most committed organisations.
The club’s exit is a blow to the NPFL’s competitive integrity this season and raises questions about how the league supports smaller clubs in navigating travel, scheduling, and financial demands. While rules are essential for fairness, the perception of disproportionate punishment can erode trust between member clubs and league authorities.
For Nigerian football fans, this development is a reminder that the sport’s growth at the domestic level depends not only on the quality of play on the pitch but also on robust, transparent administrative systems that understand and adapt to the challenges faced by all clubs, especially those breaking into the top flight for the first time.
Did You Know?
- Kun Khalifat FC earned promotion to the NPFL for the 2025/26 season after success in the lower divisions.
- The club is based in Owerri, Imo State, and plays its home matches at Dan Anyiam Stadium.
- The withdrawal follows sanctions for missing their NPFL Matchday 24 fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors.
- Kun Khalifat had faced earlier challenges this season, including financial strains and management changes.
- The NPFL board imposed a three-point and three-goal deduction and a ₦10 million fine related to the missed fixture.
