U-Turn in 24 Hours: Kun Khalifat FC Back in NPFL, Set for Shooting Stars Clash

 Kun Khalifat FC have made a dramatic return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) less than 24 hours after announcing their withdrawal, ending a brief but explosive standoff with league authorities.

The Owerri-based club confirmed on Thursday that it had reversed its decision following what it described as “positive and constructive discussions” with the NPFL League Management Board, and will resume participation with immediate effect.

In a statement signed by the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Amaefula, Kun Khalifat said the dispute had been resolved and attention would now shift back to football.

“Kun Khalifat FC is pleased to announce its return to the Nigeria Premier Football League following positive discussions with the League Management Board,” the statement read.
“We are happy to put our differences behind us and focus on the beautiful game.”

The club also praised the NPFL leadership for engaging with its concerns, noting that the talks helped defuse a crisis that had briefly rocked Nigerian football.

Kun Khalifat’s sudden withdrawal late Wednesday had sparked intense debate across the football community, with the club accusing the league of imposing excessive and non-transparent sanctions. The decision followed the club’s failure to honour their Matchday 24 fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors on Monday, February 2.

The NPFL had responded by docking Kun Khalifat three points, awarding El-Kanemi a 3–0 win, and imposing a ₦10 million fine. The club argued that it had communicated logistical challenges ahead of the match and described the punishment as unfair and damaging.

Less than a day later, however, both sides appear to have stepped back from the brink.

With the dispute now settled, focus returns to action on the pitch. Kun Khalifat FC are set to host Shooting Stars of Ibadan this Sunday, February 8, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

Despite the resolution, the club faces an uphill task in the league. They currently sit bottom of the NPFL table with 22 points from 24 matches, having recorded just five wins all season.

For now, the message from Owerri is clear: the protest is over, the team is back, and it’s football first again.

SOURCE : NaijaRush Assignment Desk