SWAN Suspends Nationwide Boycott, Opens Door for Dialogue with NFF
By Our Correspondent.
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has decided to suspend its earlier directive to boycott all activities of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after receiving assurances that there are no immediate plans to amend its Statutes at the 2025 Annual General Assembly (AGA).
The association’s leadership expressed strong concerns about its exclusion from the statutory structure of the NFF Congress. The latest clarification from the Federation offers a fresh opportunity for constructive dialogue aimed at the overall betterment of Nigerian football.
This information was shared in a press statement by the Association’s President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and signed by the Association’s Secretary General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo.
The statement emphasized that SWAN is committed to safeguarding the integrity of Nigerian football through responsible media advocacy and will always welcome dialogue where there is sincerity and transparency.
“Our position has consistently been focused on inclusivity and respecting the role of sports media as vital stakeholders in Nigerian football. After carefully considering the NFF’s recent statement, we are willing to suspend our boycott directive and open the door for dialogue, hoping that this process will lead to lasting reforms that strengthen governance and representation in the Federation,” said SWAN President Benjamin.
He noted that while the clarification from the NFF provides some relief, SWAN will continue to actively engage in ensuring that the media constituency is recognized and integrated into decision-making structures in accordance with global best practices and Nigeria’s national sports policies.
President Benjamin expressed hope that SWAN will be able to participate in open consultations and workshops as part of efforts to build a more inclusive and transparent football administration. He stressed that the Association’s ultimate concern remains the development and credibility of Nigerian football and other sports in the country.
“We are optimistic that both organizations can now work together in good faith to advance reforms that will ensure inclusivity and restore public confidence in the governance of Nigerian football,” he concluded.
