Kun Khalifa FC have officially announced their withdrawal from the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), citing what they described as an “unfair sanction” imposed by the league authorities.
In a strongly worded statement, the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Amaefula, said Kun Khalifa could no longer participate in a league that “ignores the realities and challenges faced by its member clubs and chooses punishment over fairness and justice.”
The Imo-based club’s decision follows disciplinary action taken by the NPFL after Kun Khalifa failed to travel to Maiduguri for their Matchday 24 fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors on February 2, 2026. The league ruled that the reasons provided for missing the match were “unacceptable,” and subsequently deducted three points and three goals from the club, in addition to imposing a ₦10 million fine.
Kun Khalifa, however, maintained that they had formally communicated their logistical challenges to the NPFL, including the breakdown of the team’s vehicles, but claimed the league failed to acknowledge or consider their explanation. The club also accused the NPFL of rescheduling the fixture unilaterally without adequate consultation.
Reacting to the sanctions, the club described the penalties as “disproportionate” and indicative of bias. “The decision to forfeit three points and three goals, alongside a ₦10 million fine, is a travesty of justice and reflects a lack of fairness and transparency in the league’s dealings with our club,” the statement read.
Kun Khalifa further called on the NPFL to review its policies and procedures to ensure equitable treatment of clubs, while urging fellow teams to demand reforms and greater accountability from league management.
Kun Khalifa FC are one of four privately owned clubs competing in the 2025/26 NPFL season, alongside Remo Stars, Ikorodu City, and Barau FC.
