The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called for urgent reforms across the country’s sports sector, including the immediate inauguration of the Governing Board of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and greater representation of sports journalists in the administration of Nigerian football.
The association made the demands in a 16-point communiqué issued at the end of its Triennial National Delegates Congress held at Zecool Hotels in Kaduna from August 26 to 29, 2026.
The congress, attended by delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, deliberated on the state of Nigerian sports, the welfare and professional development of sports journalists, and the role of sports in national development and youth empowerment.
Signed by SWAN Secretary-General, Ikenna Okonkwo, the association commended the Kaduna State Government for hosting the congress and its investments in sports infrastructure, particularly the reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium to a 33,000-capacity facility and rehabilitation of the Uba Sani Township Stadium.
The association also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his call for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football and the prompt release of funds for local, continental and international competitions.
It endorsed the implementation of the 10-Year Football Development Plan proposed by the committee led by the late Ibrahim Galadima, urging stakeholders to prioritise the long-term development of the sport above sectional interests.
The congress further commended the National Sports Commission for what it described as impressive performances in recent international competitions, including Nigeria’s showing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the historic qualification of the women’s beach volleyball team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
However, SWAN expressed concern over the decline of women’s football, particularly the failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
It called for a comprehensive overhaul of women’s football covering grassroots development, youth pathways, the Nigeria Women’s Football League, coaching, player welfare, facilities and national-team preparation.
The association also demanded stronger collaboration with the NSC, including its integration into the Commission’s contingency structures and strategic communication plans.
It specifically renewed its call for SWAN to handle the accreditation of sports journalists for the forthcoming National Intermediate Games in Lagos and National Sports Festival in Enugu.
On developments in the Nigeria Football Federation, SWAN called for an inclusive, transparent and credible transition following the resignation of the NFF President, Executive Committee and Secretary-General.
It also demanded representation in the anticipated NFF Normalisation Committee, restoration of its representation in the NFF Electoral College and appropriate representation on the NFF Executive Committee.
According to the association, sports journalism remains a strategic component of accountability, public information and stakeholder engagement in football administration.
The congress also welcomed SWAN’s readmission into the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), describing the development as a step towards greater unity within the journalism profession.
It pledged to maintain a cordial and cooperative relationship with the NUJ while stressing the importance of preserving SWAN’s leadership structure.
On athletes’ welfare, the association called for sustainable mechanisms to guarantee prompt payment of allowances, bonuses and incentives, as well as insurance, medical care, modern training facilities and post-career support for athletes and coaches.
It equally demanded increased investment in grassroots sports, sports science, sports medicine, coaching development and modern training systems.
The congress called for a comprehensive audit and rehabilitation of sports facilities across the country, urging governments to prioritise maintenance and modernisation rather than concentrating solely on constructing new facilities.
It further advocated public-private partnerships to improve sports infrastructure and promote sports tourism.
SWAN also urged government agencies, sports federations and event organisers to provide journalists with timely information, accreditation, access and adequate working facilities.
It called for capacity building in digital journalism, data reporting, artificial intelligence and multimedia storytelling, while urging stakeholders to work with the media to combat misinformation and protect the integrity of Nigerian sports.
The association particularly demanded formal inclusion in the Main Organising Committees (MOC) and Local Organising Committees (LOC) of major national competitions, including the Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival, National Youth Games and Lagos 2026 National Intermediate Games.
SWAN said the media accreditation challenges experienced at the Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival demonstrated the consequences of excluding professional sports journalists from the planning and organisational structures of major competitions.
It argued that sports journalists should be involved from the planning stage, particularly in media planning, accreditation, information management, publicity and projecting Nigeria’s sports image.
The association also appealed to the Federal Government to urgently inaugurate the statutory 17-member Governing Board of the NSC, expressing concern over the prolonged delay, which it said had persisted two years after the Commission’s establishment.
SWAN maintained that an operational governing board was essential for effective oversight, accountability, continuity and broad stakeholder participation in sports administration.
The association urged the Federal Government to ensure that ongoing sports reforms were broad-based, transparent and guided by relevant laws, with qualified professionals and key stakeholders included in the governance structure.
The congress finally reaffirmed its commitment to unity, professionalism and accountability within SWAN, urging members to use established internal mechanisms to resolve disputes and avoid actions capable of damaging the association’s reputation.