NPFL Shake-Up: Kun Khalifat FC Quits League, Slams ‘Travesty of Justice’

In a bombshell move that has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football, Kun Khalifat FC has officially withdrawn from the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), condemning the league for what it describes as “unfair, excessive, and biased sanctions.”

The Imo-based club’s decision follows punitive measures handed down after Kun Khalifat failed to travel to Maiduguri for their Matchday 24 fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors on February 2, 2026. The NPFL docked the club three points and three goals and slapped a ₦10 million fine, citing “unacceptable reasons” for the missed fixture.

In a sharply worded statement, CEO Michael Amaefula said:

“We can no longer remain in a league that prioritizes punishment over fairness and justice. The NPFL ignored our logistical challenges, including vehicle breakdowns, and failed to consult us before rescheduling the fixture.”

The club insisted it had formally communicated its difficulties to the league but felt dismissed and undermined, accusing the NPFL of bias and poor transparency.

“The sanctions are a travesty of justice and demonstrate a lack of willingness to engage with clubs in a fair and transparent manner,” the statement read. “We urge the NPFL to review its policies and for other clubs to demand reforms and accountability.”

Kun Khalifat FC, one of only four privately owned clubs in the NPFL this season, joins Remo Stars, Ikorodu City, and Barau FC, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by privately owned teams operating under tight logistical and financial constraints.

The withdrawal has reignited debates over governance, fairness, and sustainability in Nigerian football, with many questioning whether the NPFL can balance discipline with development for its member clubs.

Amaefula concluded:

“We thank our fans, players, and stakeholders for their unwavering support. While our journey in the NPFL ends here, our commitment to showcasing Nigerian talent remains. We are done with the league, but not with Nigerian football.”

The NPFL is yet to respond officially, but the Kun Khalifat exit has thrust league governance and club rights back into the national spotlight, forcing urgent conversations on fairness, transparency, and reform in Nigeria’s top-flight football.

SOURCE : NaijaRush Assignment Desk