Kun Khalifat, a privately owned Football Club based in Owerri, have earned a historic promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/2026 season, marking the club’s first ever appearance in the country’s top-tier football league.
The team, popularly known as the Pride of Imo, sealed their promotion during the NNL Super Eight Play-Offs, held at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium in Asaba and the Southern Delta University Stadium in Ozoro.
Kun Khalifat began their campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Crown FC of Ogbomosho, courtesy of a 7th-minute goal from Odinaka Ahiaeke.
Despite suffering a setback in their second match with a 3–0 loss to Warri Wolves, the Imo side bounced back in style, defeating Osun United 2–1 on Thursday to secure their place among Nigeria’s football elite.
The club’s remarkable achievement was met with praise and excitement across Imo State.
In a statement, the Imo State Football Association (Imo FA) congratulated the team for the promotion, crediting their grit and determination.
“The support rendered to Kun Khalifat FC by the Imo FA was instrumental in helping the team qualify for the NNL this season and topping one of the Southern Conference groups at the end of the regular season,” said Barr. Ifeanyi Dike, Chairman of the Imo FA.
He added, “The team braved all odds and made it to the elite class of Nigerian domestic football. On behalf of the Board Members, I send warm salutations to the CEO of Kun Khalifat, Mr. Chukwudi Ahamefula, the management, and the players for making Imo State proud and truly living up to their name as the Pride of Imo.”
Kun Khalifat’s promotion also comes at a time when the state’s flagship team, Heartland FC, suffered relegation after finishing 17th in the NPFL last season.
With Heartland’s exit from the top flight, Kun Khalifat FC will now carry the hopes of Imo football fans in the coming season.
Their promotion is being hailed as a milestone for privately-run football clubs in Nigeria and a sign of growing competitiveness in the country’s football landscape.
