The Chief Executive Officer of Kun Khalifat Football Club, Michael Chukwudi, has described the team’s promotion to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) as a “dream come true”, just five years after the club emerged from grassroots football in Imo State.
Speaking after his side’s decisive performance in Ozoro that secured their topflight status, Chukwudi told Tony Ademodi of Magic 102.9 FM that the achievement was the result of belief, long-term planning, and hard work.
“It’s been a long journey to the NPFL. Remember, I told you 10 months ago in Aba during the NLO playoffs that I would take this club to the top division. Today, that dream has become a reality,” he said.
“My appreciation goes to everyone who has been part of this journey. They are the true champions.”
Kun Khalifat FC, founded in 2020 by Michael Chukwudi, began their football journey in Irete, Owerri, and played their early home matches at the Onwubike International Soccer Stadium in Ngor-Okpala.
In their first season, they competed in the Nationwide League One (NLO) and gained promotion in 2021 to the Nigeria National League (NNL).
Kun Khalifat supporters. Photo Credit: Kun Khalifat media
However, rather than feature in the second tier, the club controversially sold its slot to FC One Rocket, who had been relegated at the time — a move that drew some criticism but was not in breach of league regulations.
Now, having earned NPFL status on the pitch in 2025, Kun Khalifat’s story stands out as one of the fastest ascents in Nigerian football history.
READ MORE: late-ihezuo-goal-fires-super-falcons-into-wafcon-quarter-finals
Under the stewardship of Michael Chukwudi, a young and ambitious football executive from Imo State, the club has been praised for its structured approach to growth.
“We will work even harder to make this club better,” Chukwudi added. “With this opportunity we have now, we will build on this success story.”
Kun Khalifat players acknowledging their supporters. Photo Credit: Kun Khalifat media
Chukwudi’s leadership has become a reference point for administrators seeking sustainable pathways to the topflight, especially from grassroots level.
Slot Sale Speculation: Heartland FC Circle
Despite the celebrations, speculation has emerged over the club’s NPFL future, with multiple sources linking Imo State-owned Heartland FC to a potential acquisition of Kun Khalifat’s topflight license.
Heartland were relegated from the NPFL at the end of the 2024/25 season and are reportedly seeking a fast-track return by purchasing an existing NPFL slot — a method they employed previously when they acquired Beyond Limits’ position in the 2023/24 season.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Some observers have pointed to Kun Khalifat’s history of slot transfers, particularly the 2021 deal with FC One Rocket, as evidence that a similar move may be in the works.
No official comment has been made by either Kun Khalifat FC or Heartland FC regarding a potential transaction.
What Next for Kun Khalifat?
As the club basks in its achievement, questions linger about whether Kun Khalifat will compete in the NPFL next season or yield their slot, repeating a pattern seen across lower-tier Nigerian football.
Regardless of the outcome, the club’s rise from humble beginnings to topflight qualification in just five years remains one of the most remarkable stories in Nigerian football.
