By Silvernews

When Mr. Michael Chukwudi Amaefula founded Kun Khalifa Football Club in Owerri just five years ago, very few imagined he was on the path to rewriting Nigeria’s football history.

Today, the young businessman from Obohia, Ahiazu Mbaise, has stunned the nation by steering his privately-owned club into the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)—the country’s elite division—in record time.

Amaefula’s journey has been anything but easy. Twice, he won promotion to the second tier: the first time, financial constraints forced him to sell the slot to wealthy investors; the second time, he made the bold decision to go all the way. Against all odds, the under-30 football entrepreneur carried the burden through Nigeria’s rough football terrain.

This season, Kun Khalifat FC not only topped their group but also stormed into the Super Six playoffs in Asaba. There, they defied every expectation, defeating state government–backed clubs to clinch promotion. In doing so, they became the first club in Nigeria’s history to rise from the bottom to the topflight in just five years.

For Amaefula, this is more than personal triumph—it is a national milestone. From the streets of Ahiazu Mbaise to the stadiums of Nigeria, he has become a symbol of resilience, vision, and possibility in football.

Yet, the real challenge begins now. Running a club in the NPFL requires massive investment. Experts estimate that at least ₦1 billion is needed to keep Kun Khalifa competitive in the league. For this reason, Ahamefule is calling on patriotic Nigerians, sports enthusiasts, and business leaders to rally around the project, offering partnership, sponsorship, and donations to sustain the dream.

Kun Khalifat’s story is no longer just about a club; it is about proving that vision, courage, and determination can rewrite the script of Nigerian football.

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Arsenal Golf Club was all shades of glamour and green yesterday as golfers, royals, and top dignitaries teed off to celebrate the 60th birthday of HRH, Igwe Dr. Rick Acholonu.

The Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, was well represented at the kitty by a high-powered delegation led by the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, and joined by the Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Sir Major Ejikeme Emenike.

Delivering the Governor’s goodwill message, Onyeocha set the tone for the celebration:

“Today we are not just playing golf, we are swinging into royalty with our celebrant,” he declared, hailing Igwe Acholonu as a man of grace, class, and community spirit.

He praised the organizers for putting together what he called “an event that blends sportsmanship, elegance, and tourism,” adding that the Uzodinma administration will keep partnering with sports clubs and individuals to make Imo “a place to live, relax, and play golf — because golf is life.”

With putters clicking and laughter ringing across the greens, the celebrant’s 60th turned into more than a birthday — it was a royal tee-off, uniting friends, golfers, and well-wishers in one big swing of joy.

The National Youth Games has exploded into action in Asaba—and Imo State has marched in with power, pride, and a record 516-man squad. From 398 fired-up athletes to 118 coaches and officials, the Eastern Heartland is rolling heavy and aiming for nothing less than domination.

Imo isn’t just showing up—they’re showing strength. With 33 sports on lock and medal favorites in weightlifting, athletics, swimming, scrabble, karate, kickboxing, hockey, darts, and abula, the state has the firepower to shake the table. Their zonal eliminations proved it too, bagging 9 of 14 slots in team events.

Sports Commissioner, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, oozed confidence before the team’s departure. Backed by Governor Hope Uzodimma, he declared: “Our athletes are motivated, screened, and ready. Preparation is complete—we’re in Asaba to win, not to participate.”

The Games run from August 26 to September 6, and the stage is set. For Team Imo, it’s simple—turn sweat into medals, rewrite the record books, and make the Eastern Heartland roar. Asaba, beware: Imo has landed, and they mean business.

The President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, on Thursday arrived Asaba, Delta State capital for the 9th edition of the National Youth Games scheduled to kick-off on Friday August 29, 2025.

A statement by SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, revealed that other members of the SWAN National Executive Committee (NEC) and State Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries as well as teeming Sports Journalists from parts of Nigeria are also on ground for the Games happening between August 26 and September 6, 2026.

A tour of camping venues for Athletes and Officials as well as the screening/competition arena on arrival by the SWAN President revealed that activities are gradually picking up with various States’ Contingents settling down for business.

Speaking, President Benjamin, said he was hopeful that this year’s edition of the competition will produce future Stars that will make their states and Nigeria proud.

He said, “First of all, I want to thank God for safe trip he granted the various state contingents and officials from the National Sports Commission.

“The competition which is meant for U15 athletes is such that is expected to discover young ones for the future. As usual, the stage is set and we expect nothing but a good outing for all participants.

“I expect everyone, especially my colleagues to be on top of their duties. I appeal that every Sports journalists verify their information and sources before sending or publishing them.”

He also said the ongoing accreditation of Sports Journalists expected to cover the Games, will be strictly for those who are dully registered members of the Association.

Delta state is the defending champion and serial winners of the competition

The Imo State Club Owners Association has called on the state government and well-meaning Nigerians to support Kun Khalifa FC as the team prepares for its maiden appearance in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Addressing the media in Owerri, the association’s chairman, Chief Kachi Atufule, described the club’s rise as historic, noting that Kun Khalifa FC climbed from the Nationwide League One (NLO) to the NPFL in just four years — the fastest progression in Nigerian football history.

The club’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Ahamfelule, had earlier sounded an urgent call for financial assistance, disclosing that the team requires about ₦1 billion to meet operational demands for a single season.

Chief Atufule, who also serves as CEO of Owerri Fitness Hospitality Industry, City Cruz, and Malick Pro FC, stressed that the remarkable success story of Kun Khalifa FC should not be cut short due to financial strain.

“Kun Khalifa FC is not just a football club, it is a symbol of resilience and possibility. We must all — government, corporate sponsors, and individuals — ensure this team remains in the topflight. This achievement belongs to Imo and Nigeria at large,” Atufule said.

The appeal adds weight to ongoing calls for urgent intervention to sustain Kun Khalifa FC as they gear up for their first NPFL campaign in the 2025/26 season.

Stakeholders at the workshop and seminar organized by the National Association of Nigerian Professional Players Enugu State Chapter (NANPF) held at the Board Room of the Enugu State Football Association recently to enhance participation towards achieving players welfare and well-being ,have given kudos to the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers(NANPF) Enugu state chapter for deeming it fit to draw all stakeholders in the football ecosystem together and in a round table discussions on issues around players welfare and wellbeing and with particular reference to circumstances motivating negative behaviours amongst players such as betting/match fixing and other negative coping mechanism which in turn affect their growth in life .

Speaking during the event ,the Enugu state Commissioner for Youth and Sports represented by Coach Ephraim Ochonma the director of Coaching in the ministry applauded the efforts and the move by the Football Union and describing it as a right step from right direction to keep players ,club owners and managers well informed and to ensure a smooth and steady relationship .

The Enugu state Football Association Chairman represented by the Vice Chairman Barrister Monday NNaona applauded the union for thinking towards the direction of getting all stakeholders together and reaching out to players through a robust educational framework and assured that the state football Association will continue to be laying their support to NANPF Enugu state Chapter.

In his remarks,the state chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Ben Asogwa maintain that National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) is a baby of Trade union Congress and that the congress will continue to lay all the necessary support and back up in line with established rules towards ensuring that National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) realizes its noble objectives and achieving its mandate.

Earlier in his remark ,the state chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers Coach Ebere Amaraizu had welcomed all the stakeholders and reminding them that there efforts towards helping to constantly reach out and educate these players to be well guided will not be taken for granted .

We are aware of the Nigeria Premier Football League framework as it concerns betting/Match fixing and other conducts by players ,officials and club members ,our duty is to work in partnership with all the stakeholders including the league management body to deepen the awareness and make players and others to digest it and be guided by it .

The stakeholders workshop with the theme Enhancing stakeholders Participation towards achieving players welfare and wellbeing wereCommit attended by clubs representatives ,Enugu state Chairman of the Nigeria Referee Association ,State Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria ,State Executives of National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) and produced the following as Communique :

1.Commitment to players welfare with non-conflict of interest.The Association reaffirmed that its primary function remains the enhancement of players welfare and general well being and on this ,NANPF assured to operate with transparency and neutrality ,avoiding conflict of interest in all its engagements .

2.Continuous Sensitization and Advocacy.On this ,NANPF shall intensify its efforts to sensitize players in partnership with the league management body ,clubs and other stakeholders through regular seminars ,workshops and other engagement .These sensitizations and advocacy will focus on knowledge of the NpFl frameworks and rules ,rights awareness,protection of terms of agreement between player and employer,his welfare and things that will promote their general well being as well as other challenges affecting their productivity within the football ecosystem .

3.There was also the issue of health and insurance and medical support system by clubs to enhance their productivity and wellness as well as development of Sustainable player support programs which will help to promote players productivity and livelihood in terms of physical fitness,,mental and emotional wellbeing for holistic well being .These programs include Mentorship programs for players,Carear Counselling ,financial literacy and management and guidance for retired players with effective monitoring .

Abuja, Nigeria — The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has applauded the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for its decision to lift the provisional suspension of Plateau United goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka, following a fair and transparent hearing process.

In a statement issued to the press, NANPF President, Sunday Abe, expressed appreciation to the NPFL for allowing due process in handling the July suspension of Adeyinka over alleged involvement in betting activities.

“We are pleased that the NPFL granted our member, Adewale Adeyinka, the opportunity for a fair hearing and did not allow unproven allegations to truncate his professional career,” Abe stated. “This is a progressive step and demonstrates the league’s willingness to engage constructively with the players’ union.”

The NPFL, in an official communication signed by its Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, confirmed that Adeyinka had fully cooperated with the league’s investigation. While the player has now been cleared to register with any club of his choice ahead of the 2025/2026 season, the NPFL emphasized that investigations into related matters are still ongoing.

Abe commended the league’s professional conduct during the inquiry and reiterated the union’s commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian footballers.

“As a union, we will continue to ensure that no player suffers unjustly and that all disciplinary measures are handled with fairness,” he said. “We appreciate the NPFL for listening to our position and for upholding principles of justice and transparency.”

He also called on all professional footballers to remain disciplined and to cooperate with regulatory bodies when called upon. Abe assured members of NANPF’s continued legal and moral support in any situation requiring union intervention.

The NPFL concluded its statement by affirming its commitment to preserving the integrity of Nigerian football while ensuring all proceedings are conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with established guidelines.

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan has pulled out of the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2025 Wanda Diamond League Final in Zurich, leaving Udodi Onwuzurike and Nathaniel Ezekiel as the country’s remaining representatives, Bold Sports reports.

Amusan, the world record holder and three-time Diamond League champion, was billed to chase a record fourth title on Thursday, but her name has been removed from the start list. She has been replaced by The Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton, the reigning World Indoor 60m hurdles champion.

The withdrawal is a huge blow for Nigerians, but attention now shifts to Ezekiel and Onwuzurike, who will both run on Thursday at Zurich’s iconic Letzigrund Stadium.

At 22, Onwuzurike is the youngest Nigerian in Zurich and goes into a stacked 200m final against Olympic champion Noah Lyles, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, and Dominican star Alexander Ogando. The Nigerian scraped into the Final after finishing third in Brussels (20.29s) and benefitting from late withdrawals.

Ezekiel has been one of Nigeria’s breakthrough stars this year. The Baylor University product, also 22, broke the national 400m hurdles record for the fifth time in 2025 with a 47.31s run in Silesia, a mark that ranked in the world’s top five this season.

He earned his ticket to Zurich after withdrawals from Olympic champion Rai Benjamin and season leader Alison dos Santos, but his consistent performances, including third in Eugene, proved he belongs among the best.

Tobi Amusan withdraws from Diamond League Final

Zurich’s 400m hurdles final will be led by Norwegian world record holder Karsten Warholm, who has the season’s world lead of 46.28s, but Ezekiel says he is ready to challenge. No Nigerian has ever reached the podium in Zurich’s men’s 400m hurdles final.

The stakes are high, each event winner will pocket $50,000, the richest prize in Diamond League history, as athletes also chase momentum ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo.

All Nigerian races come up on Thursday, with Ezekiel set for 8:44 p.m. Nigerian time, before Onwuzurike rounds off the country’s campaign in the 200m at 9:39 p.m.