Nigerian club, Kun Khallifa FC withdraw from NPFL over ‘unfair sanctions by league board’

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 press release, the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Amaefula, said Kun Khalifa could no longer continue in a league “that ignores the realities and challenges faced by its member clubs and chooses punishment over fairness and justice.”

The Imo-based side’s decision followed disciplinary measures taken by the NPFL after the club failed to travel to Maiduguri for their matchday 24 fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors on February 2, 2026.

The league body deemed the reasons provided by Kun Khalifa for missing the match “unacceptable” and consequently docked the club three points and three goals, in addition to slapping them with a ₦10 million fine.

Reacting to the sanctions, Kun Khalifa insisted they had formally communicated their challenges to the NPFL, including the breakdown of the team’s vehicles, but claimed the league failed to acknowledge or consider the explanation.

The club further accused the NPFL of unilaterally rescheduling the fixture without adequate consultation.

“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 reads.

“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.

“We urge the NPFL to review their policies and procedures to ensure that clubs are treated fairly and with respect. We also call upon other clubs to demand reforms and greater accountability from the league management.”

Kun Khalifat FC is one of the four privately owned clubs featuring in the 2025/26 NPFL season, alongside Remo Stars, Ikorodu City and Barau FC.