Kun Khalifat face sanction over botched NPFL game News

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Kun Khalifat face sanction over botched NPFL game

By Daily Sports Nigeria on February 3, 0226

Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri are facing possible sanctions from the Nigeria Premier Football League after failing to honour their fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri on Monday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The match at the El-Kanemi Warriors Sports Centre did not take place after the visiting side failed to arrive. Officials subsequently awarded a 3-0 walkover to the home team.

The NPFL confirmed the development on X that the Owerri club failed to show up.

“El-Kanemi Warriors vs Kun Khalifat FC. Kun Khalifat FC failed to show up for the match,” NPFL posted.

According to league regulations, clubs that fail to honour fixtures without an acceptable reason may be fined up to N10,000,000, forfeit the match, and concede three points and three goals.

PUNCH Sports Extra gathered that Kun Khalifat had formally requested a change of date, citing travel and financial constraints after playing Kwara United on January 29.

In a letter to NPFL chief operating officer Davidson Owumi, dated January 28 obtained by our correspondent, the club said they would be unable to travel to Maiduguri for their next fixture, even if scheduled for the following Wednesday.

“We bring to you compliments from the management of Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri, Imo State. Because of the time and financial constraints, as we are playing our home match with Kwara United on Thursday, 29/1/2026, we cannot meet up to play our next match with El-Kanemi Warriors FC in Maiduguri, even on Wednesday next week,” Khalifat said.

“On this regard, we plead the league management allow us play the match with El-Kanemi Warriors FC in Maiduguri on 18th of February, 2026 after playing Barau FC on 15th February, 2026 in Kano. We hope our request will be granted at your earliest convenience.”

In a follow-up on January 31, Kun Khalifat stated that they had not received a response from the NPFL regarding their earlier request submitted on January 28 and assumed that the league had approved the proposed change of match date.

“We bring to you compliment from the management of Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri, Imo State. With reference to the letter we wrote on 28th of January, 2026, we didn’t receive any letter from the League management on that regards. We assume our request has been granted,” the club said.

Per Section B, Article 13 of the NPFL frameworks, clubs are allowed to request a rescheduling of fixtures, provided the request is submitted at least 72 hours before the scheduled match.

In considering such applications, the NPFL board must also take into account the impact any changes would have on the published fixture list and broadcast arrangements.

“A Club may, not less than 72 hours before the time fixed for any Match, apply to the NPFL to rearrange a fixture and in considering whether to exercise its power to do so the Board shall have regard also to the effect any such rearrangements would have on published football fixture and broadcast arrangements,” the framework stated.

However, the league published on Saturday that the game would proceed as scheduled on Monday at 3pm, meaning Kun Khalifat’s failure to appear constituted a breach of league rules.

The club now await a ruling from the NPFL on potential fines or other disciplinary measures, while El-Kanemi Warriors gain three points in the league standings.

Source Punch Ng

Posted February 3, 2026