Former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) goalkeeper, Bassey Akpan, has criticised Kun Khalifat FC amid ongoing controversy surrounding their failure to honour league fixtures, calling on league authorities to enforce stricter financial and operational assessments before granting top-flight status to clubs.
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Akpan, who enjoyed a distinguished career in Nigerian football, stressed that competing in the NPFL places heavy demands on clubs, demands that go far beyond success on the pitch.
According to him, sustaining a full NPFL season is challenging even for state government–backed teams, let alone privately owned clubs without strong financial and administrative structures.
“The NPFL is a completely different level from the NNL,” Akpan noted. “It involves extensive nationwide travel, higher logistics and accommodation costs, player welfare obligations, and strong organisational capacity. Promotion alone should not be the only criterion for participation.”
He questioned whether Kun Khalifat were adequately prepared for these realities before taking their place in the elite division, suggesting that insufficient planning and resources often lead to situations where clubs struggle to meet basic league obligations.
Akpan also warned that failure to honour fixtures must attract firm and transparent sanctions. In his view, overlooking such breaches could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging indiscipline among clubs and undermining the credibility of the NPFL.
“If clubs are allowed to default without consequences, it damages the integrity of the league,” he said. “The NPFL must protect its image and ensure professionalism at all levels.”
His comments come at a time when debates around club licensing, ownership sustainability, and league governance are gaining renewed attention.
As the NPFL continues to push for growth and global relevance, Akpan’s remarks highlight the need for stronger structures to safeguard the league’s long-term stability and reputation.
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