NPFL Hit by Fresh Controversy As Kun Khalifat Announce Withdrawal

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By Sportsgister

Kun Khalifat Football Club have announced their immediate withdrawal from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after being sanctioned for failing to honour their Matchday 24 fixture against El Kanemi Warriors.

The newly promoted side, who currently sit at the bottom of the NPFL standings, were unable to fulfil the fixture scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026. Following the incident, the NPFL Board charged Kun Khalifat with breaching the league’s Framework and Rules.

As punishment, the league deducted three points and three goals from Kun Khalifat, awarding both to El Kanemi Warriors. In addition, the NPFL warned that any similar breach for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season would attract a ₦10 million fine.

The club was also given a 48-hour window to appeal the decision.

However, instead of lodging an appeal, Kun Khalifat announced on Wednesday night that they were withdrawing from the league entirely.

In a strongly worded statement signed by the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Amaefula, Kun Khalifat expressed outrage at the sanctions, insisting that circumstances beyond their control prevented them from honouring the fixture and that these issues had been duly communicated to the league ahead of time.

“We write to express our utmost shock, disappointment, and outrage following the sanctions imposed upon our club by the NPFL for failing to honour our Matchday 24 fixture against El Kanemi Warriors on Monday, February 2, 2026,” the statement read.

Amaefula revealed that the club had formally notified the NPFL of their challenges, including the breakdown of team vehicles, and had appealed for understanding before the match date.

“Our letter dated February 1, 2026, clearly detailed the circumstances that led to our inability to participate in the match.

Rather than acknowledge our communication, the NPFL Board unilaterally rescheduled the fixture and subsequently imposed harsh sanctions on our club.”

The club described the punishment as excessive and unfair.

“The decision to forfeit three points and three goals, alongside the threat of a ₦10 million fine, is disproportionate and reflects clear bias against our club.

These actions amount to a travesty of justice and show a lack of commitment to fairness and transparency.”

Citing what they described as persistent unfair treatment, Kun Khalifat confirmed their withdrawal from the league.

“As a result of these unjust sanctions, we, Kun Khalifat FC, hereby announce our immediate withdrawal from the Nigerian Premier Football League.

We cannot continue to participate in a league that disregards the challenges faced by its member clubs and prioritises punishment over fairness and justice.”

Despite the dramatic decision, the club maintained that their commitment to Nigerian football remains unwavering.

“We will continue to explore other avenues to showcase our talents and represent Nigerian football with pride.”

Kun Khalifat have previously been vocal about the financial strain of competing in the NPFL.

Shortly after securing promotion to the top flight for the first time in their history, the club issued an urgent appeal for financial support in August 2025.

In that statement, the club emphasised that any failure to honour fixtures would never stem from a lack of commitment.

“If, for any reason, we are unable to honour a match or matches, it is not due to lack of desire or commitment,” the club stated.

They further explained that while promotion was achieved through collective effort, sustaining participation in the NPFL posed immense financial and logistical challenges.

“The financial demands and logistical requirements of competing in the NPFL are substantial, with the cost of participation for a single season approaching one billion naira.”

As of the time of filing this report, the NPFL management has yet to issue an official response to Kun Khalifat’s withdrawal.

However, supporters and stakeholders remain hopeful that dialogue between both parties could still produce a swift and equitable resolution in the best interest of Nigerian football.