The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has opened an investigation into Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri following the club’s failure to honour their Matchday fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri on Monday.

The match, billed for the El-Kanemi Warriors Sports Centre, was abandoned after Kun Khalifat failed to arrive at the venue. Match officials subsequently awarded El-Kanemi Warriors a 3–0 walkover victory, boosting the Maiduguri side’s points haul.

Confirming the development via its official X handle, the NPFL stated that the visiting team did not show up for the encounter. “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 explanation risk stiff sanctions. These include a fine of up to ₦10 million, forfeiture of the match, and the deduction of three points and three goals from the offending club.

Findings revealed that Kun Khalifat had earlier written to the league requesting a change of date, citing travel logistics and financial difficulties following their January 29 fixture against Kwara United. In a letter dated January 28 and addressed to NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the club said it would be unable to travel to Maiduguri even if the match was shifted to the following week.

The Owerri based club proposed February 18, 2026, as an alternative date, after their away fixture against Barau FC in Kano on February 15. 

However, in a follow up letter dated January 31, Kun Khalifat claimed they had received no response from the league and assumed the request had been approved.

According to Section B, Article 13 of the NPFL Frameworks, clubs may apply for fixture rescheduling provided such requests are submitted at least 72 hours before kick-off. The league board is also mandated to weigh the impact on the published fixture list and broadcast commitments before granting approval.

Despite the correspondence, the NPFL released official fixtures on Saturday confirming the match would go ahead as scheduled on Monday at 3:00 pm. Kun Khalifat’s failure to appear is therefore viewed as a clear breach of league regulations.

The club now awaits the NPFL’s final decision on possible fines and further disciplinary action, while El-Kanemi Warriors have been officially awarded the three points from the abandoned fixture.