Kun Khalifa FC is one of the four privately owned clubs featuring in the 2025/26 NPFL season
Kun Khalifat FC say the club could be “unable to honour a match or matches going forward” due to the financial burden of competing in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
In a statement on Wednesday, Michael Amaefula, the club’s chief executive officer (CEO), said the cost of participating in a season of the NPFL is “close to N1 billion” and “this is a burden that is proving too great for us to bear”.
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.
The club, based in Imo, is participating in its first-ever NPFL season, having risen quickly through the lower divisions in just five years since its establishment.
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“We have achieved remarkable milestones in the past, rising from NLO to NNL single-handedly through our team’s collective efforts,” the statement reads.
“However, we have come to realise that competing in the Nigerian Premier Football League is a different challenge altogether.”
Amaefula then appealed to the Imo government, corporate sponsors and fans for “external assistance” to remain in the NPFL.
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“We are eager to continue representing Imo state with pride and resilience, but we require assistance to do so,” the statement reads.
“We are not putting out this statement out of cowardice but out of a sense of duty and responsibility to our fans and Imolites at large.
“We are not asking for help out of fear and lack of determination, but rather to ensure that Imolites continue to enjoy the thrills of watching us play in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as we aspire to soar to greater heights.”
Kun Khalifat played a goalless draw against Enugu Rangers at home in their opening NPFL match of the season. The club will be at home again on Sunday against the Remo Stars, the defending champions.
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