What once looked certain to end in relegation heartbreak is now slowly transforming into one of the most emotional survival stories of the Nigeria Premier Football League season.
Kun Khalifat have announced free entry for their final game of the 2025/26 campaign against Wikki Tourists as the Owerri club edges closer to completing a remarkable great escape in their debut NPFL season.
The final-day clash will take place on Sunday, May 24, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, with the club calling on supporters, families and football lovers across Imo State to fill the stands for what could become a historic evening.
Club President and CEO Michael Chukwudi Amaefula confirmed the decision in an emotional appreciation message to supporters after months of turbulence, uncertainty and survival battles.
“To our incredible fans, supporters, and great Imolites, on behalf of everyone at Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri, I say a heartfelt thank you,” Amaefula stated.
“From matchday one of the NPFL season until now, your energy, loyalty, support and belief have been the driving force behind our team.”
“As a token of appreciation, entry to our final game of the season against Wikki Tourists will be completely free of charge.”
Kun Khalifat FC Starting XI in their first ever NPFL match against Rangers International in Enugu. Photo Credit Kun Khalifat FCX
The gesture arrives at the climax of what has been one of the most dramatic campaigns by a newly promoted side in recent NPFL history.
Kun Khalifat began the season carrying the excitement of a fairytale rise from grassroots football to the topflight in barely five years.
Founded in 2020 and promoted to the NPFL for the first time after an impressive Nigeria National League Super 8 campaign, the club initially appeared destined for a short stay among Nigeria’s elite.
Financial concerns, logistical struggles and inconsistency on the pitch quickly pushed the Pride of Imo into deep trouble.
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At one point, the club sat rooted to the bottom of the table and even briefly announced their withdrawal from the NPFL following sanctions over a missed fixture before later reversing the decision after discussions with league officials.
Since February 2026, the Owerri side have produced one of the strongest survival runs in the division, collecting 21 points from a possible 27 during a remarkable resurgence that completely transformed their season.
Their revival included statement victories over Kano Pillars, Shooting Stars and Plateau United, local derby triumphs against Abia Warriors and Enyimba, as well as the famous away victory against Nasarawa United which propelled they survival charge.
Kun Khalifat. Photocredit: Kun Khalifat fc Media
Now sitting 15th with 46 points after 12 wins, 10 draws and 14 defeats, Kun Khalifat head into the final day knowing that avoiding defeat against already relegated Wikki Tourists will guarantee their survival for another NPFL season.
Their opponents arrive in Owerri with relegation already confirmed after enduring a difficult campaign that saw them lose 15 matches while winning only nine all season.
Having shared points in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign, Kun Khalifat know victory on home soil would complete an extraordinary turnaround from relegation favorites to survival heroes.
Kun Khalifat Fc Players in training. Photocredit: Kun Khalifat FcMedia FB
Amaefula believes the atmosphere inside the stadium could become the emotional fuel that drives the team over the finish line.
“I think there will be a lot of fight from Wikki Tourists, but the boys will be mentally prepared,” the CEO said on the club’s official Facebook page.
“We would also like the supporters to come out in numbers with their families and kids so it can be a family environment. I think we need that togetherness as the pride of Imo State.”
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For a club that spent large parts of the season fighting uncertainty both on and off the pitch, Sunday now represents more than just another football match. It is a chance for Kun Khalifat and the people of Imo State to celebrate resilience, unity and survival together.
