Osigwe Targets Veterans for Kun Khalifat Overhaul

Emmanuel Osigwe, the tactical lead at Kun Khalifat FC, is officially signaling a shift in recruitment strategy as the mid-season transfer window approaches. Following a disappointing run of form, the head coach has publicly voiced the need for a more seasoned core to stabilize his young roster.

The Umuahia-based side has struggled to find its footing in the high-intensity environment of the Nigeria Premier Football League. Osigwe believes the current squad, while talented, lacks the competitive maturity required to close out tight games against veteran opposition.

This realization comes on the heels of a narrow but stinging 1–0 defeat at the hands of Abia Warriors. The clash, held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, served as a wake-up call for the technical crew regarding the physical and mental demands of top-flight football.

The loss to their local rivals highlighted a recurring theme for Kun Khalifat this season: an inability to handle pressure in the final third. Osigwe noted that while his young players show flashes of brilliance, they often falter when the game moves into its most critical phases.

In a candid conversation with Puyaka, the coach was blunt about the profile of players he intends to bring in. He made it clear that the era of relying solely on developmental or amateur prospects must evolve if the club hopes to maintain its status.

Osigwe’s plan involves a direct appeal to the club’s proprietor to release funds for proven professionals. He isn’t looking for a complete squad overhaul, but rather two or three “battle-hardened” individuals who have navigated the rigors of the league for several seasons.

The logic behind this move is twofold: immediate results and long-term player development. Osigwe argues that the presence of veterans on the pitch provides an on-field education for the younger contingent that training drills simply cannot replicate.

“We need professional players who have played the league—two or three of them,” Osigwe emphasized. His focus is on players who understand the “dark arts” of the game, such as game management, drawing fouls, and defensive positioning under duress.

The transition from amateur ranks to the professional top flight is often a bridge too far for many prospects without proper guidance. By embedding experienced leaders in the spine of the team, Osigwe hopes to accelerate the learning curve of his starlets.

The recent home defeat was particularly difficult for the fans to swallow, as Kun Khalifat looked hesitant against an Abia Warriors side that played with clinical composure. It was a match decided by fine margins—margins Osigwe believes his team would have controlled with more experience.

The mid-season window represents a vital crossroads for the club. Currently sitting in a precarious position, the pressure is mounting on the technical department to deliver a string of positive results to climb away from the relegation conversation.

Osigwe’s public declaration also serves as a challenge to his current squad. It sends a message that the grace period for “learning on the job” is closing, and that the club is prepared to look externally to find the competitive edge it currently lacks.

Internal discussions with the club’s hierarchy are expected to begin immediately to identify specific targets. The scouting department will likely be looking at disgruntled veterans from larger clubs or standout performers from the lower divisions who have prior NPFL experience.

For Kun Khalifat, the second half of the season will be a test of their institutional resolve. If the proprietor backs Osigwe’s vision, the team could undergo a significant transformation in character and resilience before the next round of fixtures.

Ultimately, the goal is to transform Kun Khalifat from a “developmental side” into a “result-oriented machine.” Osigwe is convinced that the addition of a few wise heads is the missing piece of the puzzle that will unlock the full potential of his Umuahia-based outfit.