Kun Khalifat FC raise alarm over ₦1bn NPFL survival bill, appeal for urgent support

By Dayo Awoniyi

Newly promoted Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri, have raised the alarm over the huge financial burden of competing in the topflight, disclosing that the club requires close to ₦1 billion to run a full season.

In a statement signed by the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Chukwudi Amaefule, the Imo-based outfit — fondly called “The Pride of Imo State” — warned that without urgent intervention, they may struggle to honour fixtures in the ongoing 2025/26 campaign.

“If, for any reason, we are unable to honour a match or matches going forward, it is not due to lack of desire or commitment to the game. Rather, it is because of circumstances beyond our control,” Amaefule explained.

Kun Khalifat, who rose from the Nationwide League One (NLO) to the Nigeria National League (NNL) before sealing promotion to the NPFL, admitted that the leap to the elite division comes with unprecedented financial and logistical demands.

“The cost of participating in the Premier League for one season is close to ONE BILLION NAIRA. This is a burden too great for us to bear alone,” the CEO stated.

Amaefule emphasized that the appeal for help was not out of weakness but out of responsibility to the club’s supporters and the people of Imo State.

“We are not asking for help out of fear or lack of determination, but to ensure Imolites continue to enjoy the thrills of watching us play in the NPFL as we aspire to greater heights,” he added.

The club has now appealed to the Imo State Government, corporate bodies, well-meaning individuals, and fans to step forward with sponsorship and financial backing.

“We believe that with collective support, we can overcome these hurdles, maintain our NPFL status, and achieve even greater things together,” the statement concluded.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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