The President and Proprietor of Kun Khalifat FC, Owerri, Michael Amaefula, has exclusively told Completesports.com that his team’s primary motivation is to bring joy to the people of Imo State.
Amaefula made this assertion at the Dan Anyiam Stadium after Kun Khalifat FC’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over First Bank of Lagos on matchday seven of the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
“I pleaded for it. They (fans) are here because I passionately pleaded for it. And my brothers and sisters answered me, all in the name of God. I’m happy and grateful to them,” Amaefula said.
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“The main reason I always try to motivate my boys to win is to make the Imolites happy. Every win is for them.”
Kun Khalifat FC are making their debut in the NNL this season after securing promotion from the Nationwide League One last term. Since their promotion, the team has been impressive, topping the NNL Conference B table with 16 points from five wins, one draw, and just one loss in seven games.
Following their gritty 1-0 win against First Bank FC at the weekend, courtesy of Chijioke Ahieke’s second-half penalty, Amaefula reiterated that his club is solely focused on playing to win every game rather than chasing a quick promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
“The same way we approach every match, if we get three points, great. If we get just one point, it’s also fine. But we always pray for the three points.
“We’re not competing for anything. We’re not chasing NPFL promotion. We just want to win every single match to remain in the system. That’s the most important thing,” the young club boss stated.
Reflecting on the victory against First Bank FC, their fifth of the campaign, Amaefula dismissed suggestions that the encounter was tough.
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“First of all, I wouldn’t say it was a difficult game. No football match is ever difficult. It’s a normal 90-minute contest.
“I knew my boys would eventually crown their efforts with glory, and God made it happen for us. I’m grateful,” he added.
Despite the current harsh economic climate in the country, Amaefula remains committed to sustaining the club, noting that the difference between playing in the NNL and the NLO is minimal.
“We’ve been in this system for four years now, and football is the same everywhere. The same things you do in the NLO, you do in the NNL.
“We came well prepared, and the same way we’ve been preparing ourselves is the same way others do too. We knew beforehand what we were getting into. So, we’re not being weighed down—we will keep forging ahead,” he concluded.
By Sab Osuji
