Nigerian Club Kun Khalifa FC Withdraws from Premier League Over Alleged Unfair Treatment
In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football, Kun Khalifa FC has announced its official withdrawal from the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The Imo-based club cited what it described as "unfair sanctions" imposed by the league authorities as the primary reason for this drastic decision.
Club CEO Issues Strongly Worded Statement
The club's Chief Executive Officer, Michael Amaefula, released a strongly worded press statement explaining the withdrawal. He declared that Kun Khalifa could no longer participate in a league that "ignores the realities and challenges faced by its member clubs" and instead chooses punishment over fairness and justice.
This decision follows disciplinary measures taken by the NPFL against the club after it failed to travel to Maiduguri for its matchday 24 fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors on February 2, 2026. The league body deemed Kun Khalifa's reasons for missing the match "unacceptable" and imposed significant penalties.
Details of the Controversial Sanctions
The NPFL's disciplinary actions against Kun Khalifa FC included:
- Docking the club three points from its league standing
- Deducting three goals from its goal difference
- Imposing a substantial fine of ₦10 million
In response to these sanctions, Kun Khalifa maintained that it had formally communicated its challenges to the NPFL prior to the match. The club cited the breakdown of its team vehicles as a legitimate obstacle preventing travel to Maiduguri, but claimed the league failed to acknowledge or consider this explanation.
Additional Allegations Against NPFL Management
The club further escalated its criticism by accusing the NPFL of unilaterally rescheduling the fixture without adequate consultation with the affected clubs. In its statement, Kun Khalifa described the sanctions as disproportionate and indicative of bias against their organization.
"The decision to forfeit 3 points and 3 goals, coupled with a fine of N10m, is not only disproportionate but a clear indication of the NPFL's bias against our club," the statement read.
The club continued: "We believe that the sanctions are a travesty of justice and demonstrate a lack of willingness to engage with clubs in a fair and transparent manner."
Calls for League Reform and Greater Accountability
In its parting message, Kun Khalifa FC urged the NPFL to review its policies and procedures to ensure fair treatment of all member clubs. The statement also called upon other clubs in the league to demand reforms and greater accountability from the league management.
Kun Khalifa FC was one of only four privately owned clubs participating in the 2025/26 NPFL season, alongside Remo Stars, Ikorodu City, and Barau FC. Their withdrawal represents a significant loss for the league's diversity of ownership models and raises questions about the NPFL's relationship with its member clubs.
This development comes at a critical time for Nigerian football administration and highlights ongoing tensions between club management and league authorities regarding disciplinary procedures and communication protocols.
