Kun Khalifat FC Protest ‘Outrageous Sanctions’, Quit NPFL

Kun Khalifat Football Club has announced its immediate withdrawal from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), citing what it described as “outrageous and disproportionate sanctions” imposed on the club by the league’s management.

The decision was announced in an official statement issued on February 3, 2026, and signed by the owner of Kun Khalifat FC, Michael Amaefula, who said the club had no option but to withdraw from the NPFL following disciplinary measures taken against it for failing to honour a single league fixture.

“It is with great disappointment and frustration that I, the owner of Kun Khalifat FC, announce our immediate withdrawal from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) effective immediately,” the statement read.

According to the club, the NPFL sanctioned Kun Khalifat FC with the forfeiture of three points and three goals, alongside a ₦10 million fine, a punishment it described as unacceptable and damaging.

“The punishment handed down to us — forfeiting 3 points and 3 goals, and a fine of ₦10m — 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 statement said.

The club maintained that it had provided what it described as “valid reasons” for its inability to honour the fixture, but alleged that the NPFL dismissed its explanation without transparency.

“We provided valid reasons for our inability to fulfil the match obligation, yet our explanation was deemed unacceptable. We believe that the NPFL’s decision was biased and lacked transparency, demonstrating a clear disregard for the challenges faced by clubs in our great nation,” the owner stated.

Kun Khalifat FC further argued that it had consistently complied with league regulations and invested heavily in its team and infrastructure, adding that it was disheartening to see its efforts undermined.

“As a club, we have always strived to comply with the league’s rules and regulations, and have made significant investments in our team and infrastructure. It is disheartening to see our efforts being undermined by an organisation that seems to prioritise punishment over fairness and justice,” the statement added.

The club said the league’s actions left it with “no choice” but to withdraw, insisting it could not continue in a system that allegedly places revenue above the welfare of its member clubs.

“The NPFL’s actions have left us no choice but to withdraw from the league. We cannot continue to be part of a system that disregards the well-being of its member clubs and prioritises revenue over development,” it said.

Kun Khalifat FC also called on other clubs to demand reforms and accountability within the NPFL.

“We urge other clubs to join us in demanding reforms and greater accountability from the NPFL. It is time for Nigerian football to move forward, and we will not be a part of a system that stifles growth and progress,” the statement read.

The club thanked its fans, players and stakeholders for their support and hinted at exploring alternative platforms to showcase its talents.

“We will continue to explore other avenues to showcase our talents and represent Nigerian football with pride. We are done with the NPFL,” the Owerri-based football club added.