SWAN backs Tinubu’s football reforms, demands NFF representation, NSC board inauguration

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has demanded its inclusion in the anticipated Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Normalisation Committee, restoration of its representation in the NFF Electoral College and appropriate representation on the federation’s Executive Committee.

The association also called on the Federal Government to immediately inaugurate the 17-member Governing Board of the National Sports Commission (NSC), two years after the establishment of the commission.

The demands were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of SWAN’s 2026 Triennial National Delegates Congress held in Kaduna and signed by its Secretary-General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo. The communiqué was prepared by a three-member committee chaired by Alhassan Kutigi, Chairman of SWAN Niger State Chapter, with Chibuike James, Secretary of SWAN Enugu State Chapter, as Secretary, and Nasir Gide as member.

The congress, which brought together delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, deliberated extensively on the state of Nigerian sports, welfare and professional development of sports journalists, as well as the role of sports in national development, youth empowerment and global competitiveness.

SWAN seeks stronger role in football administration

The association said sports journalists remained strategic stakeholders in Nigerian football and should therefore have a voice in the administration of the game.

Its demand came against the backdrop of recent developments in the NFF, following the resignation of the federation’s President, Executive Committee and Secretary-General.

While acknowledging the contribution of the outgoing leadership, SWAN urged the NFF Congress, NSC and other stakeholders to approach the transition with maturity, patriotism and a collective commitment to restoring stability to Nigerian football.

The association called for an inclusive, transparent and credible process capable of rebuilding confidence in the administration of the country’s most popular sport.

SWAN specifically demanded adequate representation in the expected NFF Normalisation Committee, arguing that sports journalism plays a strategic role in accountability, public information and stakeholder engagement.

It also demanded the restoration of its representation in the NFF Electoral College and appropriate representation on the NFF Executive Committee.

The association maintained that its position as a legitimate stakeholder in Nigerian football should be reflected in the structures responsible for governing the sport.

Association backs Tinubu’s football reform agenda

The congress also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as an intentional and audacious call for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football.

SWAN equally praised the prompt release of funds for local and major championships at regional, continental and international levels, stressing that timely funding remained critical to adequate preparation and participation.

The association endorsed the implementation of the 10-year Football Development Plan proposed by the committee led by the late Ibrahim Galadima.

It urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and ensure that the recommendations are implemented, while placing the long-term development of Nigerian football above sectional and personal interests.

NSC Board inauguration demanded

Another major resolution was the call for the immediate inauguration of the statutory Governing Board of the National Sports Commission.

SWAN expressed concern over the prolonged delay in inaugurating the 17-member board, despite the establishment of the commission two years ago.

According to the association, an operational governing board is necessary to provide effective oversight, accountability, continuity and broad stakeholder participation in the administration of Nigerian sports.

The congress urged the Federal Government to urgently revisit the implementation of the NSC Establishment Act and ensure that the board is constituted in accordance with the law.

It further argued that the inauguration of the board should form part of the wider reforms being proposed for Nigerian football and the country’s sports sector.

SWAN called for a broad-based and transparent reform process that would bring qualified professionals and key stakeholders into the governance structure.

SWAN praises sports commission

Despite its concerns over some areas of sports administration, the congress commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission for what it described as impressive strides recorded at recent international competitions.

Particular mention was made of Nigeria’s performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the historic qualification of the country’s Women’s Beach Volleyball team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

SWAN said the achievements demonstrated what Nigerian athletes could accomplish when provided with adequate preparation, technical support and funding.

It urged the NSC to sustain the momentum while paying greater attention to athlete welfare, sports science, coaching development, grassroots talent identification and systematic preparation for major international competitions.

Super Falcons’ World Cup failure worries SWAN

The association, however, expressed concern over what it described as the shocking decline in the fortunes of women’s football in Nigeria.

The congress particularly lamented the failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, describing the development as a major setback for a country that has historically dominated African women’s football.

SWAN called for an urgent strategic overhaul of women’s football, covering grassroots development, youth pathways, the Nigeria Women’s Football League, coaching, player welfare, facilities and national team preparation.

It demanded a comprehensive and sustainable national women’s football development plan with measurable targets and adequate funding to restore Nigeria’s leadership position in Africa and competitiveness globally.

Calls for stronger NSC-SWAN partnership

The congress also appealed to the National Sports Commission to revisit its existing understanding with SWAN regarding their terms of engagement and collaboration.

It specifically demanded the integration of the association into the commission’s contingency structures and strategic communication plans.

SWAN renewed its call for the NSC to allow the association to handle the accreditation process for sports journalists ahead of and during the National Intermediate Games in Lagos and the National Sports Festival in Enugu.

According to the association, a stronger institutional relationship between both bodies would improve information dissemination, crisis communication, public engagement and the overall impact of government sports policies.

SWAN wants place in major competitions

The sports writers further demanded formal inclusion in the Main Organising Committees and Local Organising Committees of major domestic sporting events.

The association specifically mentioned the Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival, National Youth Games and Lagos 2026 National Intermediate Games.

SWAN said the experience of the media accreditation process at the Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival demonstrated the consequences of excluding professional sports journalists from the planning and organisational structure of major competitions.

It argued that sports journalists should not only be invited when competitions begin but should be involved from the planning stage.

According to the association, such involvement would assist in media planning, accreditation, information management, publicity and projecting Nigeria’s sporting image.

It therefore called for a standing policy requiring the inclusion of SWAN in the MOCs and LOCs of major national sporting events.

Athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports

The congress also called for sustainable welfare mechanisms for Nigerian athletes and coaches.

It urged the Federal Government, through the NSC and relevant agencies, to ensure prompt payment of approved allowances, bonuses and incentives, alongside adequate insurance, medical care, training facilities and post-career support.

The association stressed that athletes representing Nigeria should be treated as professionals whose welfare and dignity must be prioritised.

It also demanded increased investment in sports science, sports medicine, coaching development and modern training systems.

On grassroots development, SWAN called for greater investment in schools, communities and local sporting structures.

It urged governments and sports federations to strengthen talent identification and create clear pathways through which young athletes can progress from grassroots competitions to elite sport.

SWAN backs improved relationship with NUJ

The congress welcomed the decision of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to readmit SWAN into its National Executive Council.

The association described the development as an important step towards strengthening unity within the Nigerian journalism profession.

SWAN pledged to maintain a cordial and cooperative relationship with the NUJ while stressing the importance of recognising its national leadership structure comprising the National President, Deputy President and Vice Presidents.

Kaduna gets commendation

The congress expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State Government for hosting the 2026 Triennial National Delegates Congress and providing support for its successful conduct.

SWAN commended the state government’s investments in sports facilities, security and critical infrastructure, particularly the reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, which it noted had been expanded to a 33,000-seat capacity, as well as the rehabilitation of the Uba Sani Township Stadium.

The association described Kaduna as a worthy host and urged other states to emulate its commitment to sports development.

Unity urged among SWAN members

The congress reaffirmed its commitment to unity, professionalism, accountability and adherence to the statutes of the association.

It urged members at all levels to utilise established internal mechanisms in resolving disputes and avoid actions capable of damaging the reputation and credibility of SWAN.

The resolutions followed extensive deliberations by delegates on the future of sports journalism and the wider development of Nigerian sports.

The congress further reaffirmed SWAN’s readiness to work with government agencies, sports federations, athletes and other stakeholders towards building a more professional, accountable and globally competitive sports sector.