SWAN Condemns NFF Exclusion, Orders Nationwide Boycott of Federation’s AGA, Other Activities

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has directed its members across the country to withdraw from covering or participating in any activity of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), including the forthcoming Annual General Assembly (AGA) scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, jointly signed by SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and the Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo. The Association expressed strong disapproval over what it described as the deliberate and persistent exclusion of SWAN from the statutory composition of the NFF Congress. According to the statement, the leadership of the NFF has continued to undermine the vital role of the sporting media in the country’s football development, a move SWAN described as “unacceptable, retrogressive, and an affront to national progress.” “The media is a critical tripod in the growth of sports globally. SWAN, as the professional body coordinating sports media in Nigeria, has consistently engaged the NFF leadership on the need to restore our rightful place within its Congress. Unfortunately, while claiming to expand its Congress, the Federation has chosen to sideline us, a move that is both short-sighted and detrimental to Nigerian football,” the statement read. SWAN recalled that despite repeated efforts to establish a cooperative relationship with the present NFF leadership, the Federation has remained unyielding, employing what it termed divisive and destructive tactics in managing Nigerian football. It further noted that the fortunes of the nation’s football have continued to decline despite significant financial and institutional support from the Federal Government, state governments, and corporate sponsors. “The continued decline of Nigerian football is a direct result of maladministration. It is time to put a decisive end to this dangerous trend. Nigeria cannot afford to watch its most cherished sport deteriorate under avoidable circumstances,” the statement added. To enforce compliance with its directive, SWAN said it would set up a task force to monitor and ensure that no member covers or publicises NFF activities, including the Ibadan AGA. The Association also announced plans to embark on an in-depth investigation into what it described as maladministration and backward practices within the Federation, which it linked to Nigeria’s back-to-back World Cup qualification failures. Reaffirming its stance, SWAN stated that the exclusion of the sporting media from the highest decision-making body of Nigerian football would no longer be tolerated. “The Association stands resolute in defending its role as a critical stakeholder in the nation’s football ecosystem,” the statement concluded.