As widely predicted, newly promoted Kun Khalifat FC are struggling to cope with life in the Nigeria Premier Football League and now sit rock bottom in 20th place.
The club’s recruitment strategy mirrors last season’s Ikorodu City FC blueprint, relying heavily on youthful players with little or no NPFL experience. However, while Ikorodu City combined youth with quality and defined profiles, Kun Khalifat FC have found the jump in standards unforgiving. Only two players in their regular starting eleven have prior NPFL experience, and several members of the squad are still under 23.
Kun Khalifat FC primarily operate in a 4-3-3 formation, but structural discipline has not been enough to compensate for the lack of top-flight quality.
In goal, Akpan Nsikak-Abong has started the most matches this season, despite being second choice during the promotion campaign. That said, Divine Chidera Onuorah appears the safer long-term option. The teenage goalkeeper, signed from Rangers International, has shown greater composure and shot-stopping ability in limited appearances.
Defensively, Sunday Adehi has established himself as the preferred left-back, repeating his role from last season despite previously being second choice in the NNL. Peter Ikechukwu provides cover, while veteran Michael Akano remains the undisputed first-choice right-back. Wisdom Odinaka Obichere, formerly of Enyimba FC, has featured sparingly, while the centre-back pairing of Joseph Ameh and Gabriel Lekan has been among the more reliable units in the team.
Lekan arrived from Osun United before the season, while Ameh was a cornerstone of the promotion-winning side.
Midfield is where Kun Khalifat FC show flashes of promise. Defensive midfielder Chikamso Amaefula stands out as the team’s most complete player, combining intensity, intelligence and positional discipline. In front of him, Onyedika Onuorah and Victor Ebuka Nwokorie have impressed, with Nwokorie contributing six goals from an advanced midfield role. Ugochukwu Stanley Akuta and Obichere offer further depth in central areas.
Up front, Henry Ezeonye leads the line and remains the club’s most talked-about attacker. However, winger Moses Uche is arguably the most influential player in the squad. Comfortable on both flanks, Uche brings balance and experience, having previously featured for Abia Warriors. Other attacking options include Alex Sunday Amaefula, Stanley Otu Nnanna, Joseph Nnorom Mmesoma, Hassan Olubode and Peter Onuoha, all of whom bring varied backgrounds but limited NPFL pedigree.
One positive for Kun Khalifat FC is squad continuity. Several players, including Nsikak-Abong, Adehi, Akano, Ameh, Amaefula, Mmesoma, Onyedika Onuorah, Nwokorie, Akuta and Alex Sunday Amaefula, progressed with the club from Nigeria’s third tier.
That cohesion has helped performances remain competitive, but results have told a harsher story. The NPFL demands more than potential, and Kun Khalifat FC are learning that lesson the hard way.
Top scorers: Victor Ebuka Nwokorie 6, Henry Ezeonye 3, Gabriel Lekan 2, Moses Uche 2.
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