‘Our differences are resolved’ — Kun Khalifa announce U-turn on NPFL withdrawal

Kun Khalifa FC has reversed the club’s decision to pull out of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

In a statement on Thursday, Michael Amaefula, the club’s chief executive officer (CEO), said the reversal is due to “positive discussions with the League Management Board”.

On Wednesday, Kun Khalifa had withdrawn from the NPFL in protest of “unfair sanction”.

The decision to pull out of NPFL was triggered by the penalties handed to the Imo-based club after failing to make the trip to Maiduguri for their matchday 24 fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors on February 2, 2026.

The NPFL board said the reasons given by the club for missing the match was “unacceptable” and docked the team three points and goals with addition N10 million fine.

In response, Kun Khalifa described the sanctions as a ” a travesty of justice and demonstrate a lack of willingness to engage with clubs in a fair and transparent manner”.

The club added that it would no longer be part of a league “that disregards the challenges faced by its member clubs and prioritizes punishment over fairness and justice”.

In a twist few hours later, Amaefula said the club and the NPFL board have resolved their “differences” after “constructive dialogue”.

“The club has been reinstated and is set to resume its NPFL campaign with immediate effect. Kun Khalifat FC will face Shooting Stars of Ibadan in their next match, scheduled to take place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Sunday, 8th February 2026,” the statement reads.

“We are calling on all our fans in Owerri and beyond to come out in their numbers to support the team. This is a crucial match for us, and we need the backing of our supporters to get a positive result.”

Kun Khalifa FC are rooted at the base of the league with 22 points from 24 games.

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