The national executive committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has formally mandated its members across the country to desist from participating in or covering any activities organised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). This includes the upcoming Annual General Assembly (AGA) set to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement signed by SWAN president Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and secretary-general Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association expressed its displeasure over the continuous and deliberate exclusion of SWAN from the necessary composition of the NFF congress.
SWAN condemned the actions of the NFF leadership as “unacceptable, retrogressive, and an affront to the role of the sporting media in national football development.”
The association questioned why the Federation’s leadership has continued to ignore critical issues essential for the smooth progress of football in Nigeria.
“The media plays a vital role in the growth of sports worldwide. As the professional body managing sports media in Nigeria, SWAN has consistently engaged with the NFF leadership to restore our rightful position within its Congress. Regrettably, while professing to expand its Congress, the Federation has deliberately sidelined us, which is a shortsighted and damaging move for Nigerian football,” the statement read.
SWAN also noted that despite their ongoing attempts to establish a cooperative relationship with the NFF since the current leadership took charge, the Federation has remained unyielding, employing divisive and destructive tactics in the management of Nigerian football.
The Association pointed out that Nigeria’s football performance continues to decline, in spite of substantial financial and institutional support from the Federal Government, state governments, and corporate sponsors.
“The persistent decline of Nigerian football is a direct result of maladministration. It is crucial to put an end to this alarming trend. Nigeria cannot afford to see its beloved sport deteriorate due to avoidable circumstances,” the statement asserted.
Furthermore, the Association announced that all SWAN members nationwide refrain from covering or promoting any NFF activity, including the Ibadan AGA.
“A task force will be established to ensure strict adherence to this directive, while the Association initiates a comprehensive investigation and public exposure of the maladministration and backward practices that have characterised the Federation’s operations, which have led to repeated failures in World Cup qualification,” the statement added.
SWAN reiterated that the exclusion of the sporting media from the highest decision-making body of Nigerian football is intolerable and will no longer be accepted.
“The Association remains steadfast in defending its role as a crucial stakeholder in the nation’s football ecosystem,” it concluded.
