NPFL Investigates Kun Khalifat Over Abandoned El-Kanemi Match

NPFL Investigates Kun Khalifat Over Abandoned El-Kanemi Match

By Admin 

Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri are facing possible sanctions from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after failing to honour their Matchday fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri on Monday.

The encounter, scheduled to take place at the El-Kanemi Warriors Sports Centre, was abandoned after the visiting side failed to arrive. Match officials subsequently awarded a 3–0 walkover victory to El-Kanemi Warriors.

The NPFL confirmed the development in a post on X, stating that Kun Khalifat did not show up for the fixture.

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

Under NPFL regulations, clubs that fail to honour fixtures without an acceptable reason risk sanctions including a fine of up to ₦10 million, forfeiture of the match, and the deduction of three points and three goals.

PUNCH Sports Extra gathered that Kun Khalifat had earlier requested a change of date for the fixture, citing travel and financial constraints following their match against Kwara United on January 29.

In a letter dated January 28 and addressed to NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the club stated that it would be unable to travel to Maiduguri for the fixture, even if rescheduled for the following week.

“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,” the letter read.

The club requested that the fixture be rescheduled for February 18, 2026, after their match against Barau FC in Kano on February 15.

In a follow-up letter dated January 31, Kun Khalifat claimed they had not received a response from the NPFL regarding their request and assumed the proposed change had been approved.

“With reference to the letter we wrote on 28th of January, 2026, we didn’t receive any letter from the league management on that regard. We assume our request has been granted,” the club stated.

According to Section B, Article 13 of the NPFL Frameworks, clubs are permitted to apply for fixture rescheduling provided the request is made at least 72 hours before the scheduled kick-off. The league board is also required to consider the impact of such changes on the published fixture list and broadcast arrangements.

However, the NPFL published official fixtures on Saturday confirming that the match would proceed as scheduled on Monday at 3:00 pm. As a result, Kun Khalifat’s failure to appear constitutes a breach of league rules.

The club now awaits a ruling from the NPFL regarding potential fines or further disciplinary measures, while El-Kanemi Warriors have been awarded three points in the league standings.