SWAN Relaxes Nationwide Boycott, Opens Door for Dialogue with NFF
The National Leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has relaxed its earlier directive to boycott all activities of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), following assurances that there are no immediate plans to amend its Statutes at the 2025 Annual General Assembly (AGA).
SWAN, which had expressed strong concerns over its exclusion from the statutory structure of the NFF Congress, said the latest clarification by the Federation provides a fresh opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue for the overall good of Nigerian football.
SWAN in a statement by the President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, said it remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of Nigerian football through responsible media advocacy, and as such, will always embrace dialogue where sincerity and transparency are evident.
“Our position has always been about inclusivity and respect for the role of sports media as critical stakeholders in Nigerian football. Having carefully considered the NFF’s recent statement, we are willing to relax our boycott directive and open the door for dialogue, in the hope that this process will lead to lasting reforms that strengthen governance and representation in the Federation,” the SWAN President said.
He noted that while the clarification from the NFF provides some relief, SWAN will continue to engage actively in ensuring that the media constituency is recognised and integrated into decision-making structures in line with global best practices and the provisions of Nigeria’s national sports policies.
President Benjamin added that SWAN looks forward to participating in open consultations and workshops as part of efforts to build a more inclusive and transparent football administration, stressing that the Association’s ultimate concern remains the development and credibility of Nigerian football and other sports in the country.
“We are optimism that both bodies can now work together in good faith, to advance reforms that will guarantee inclusivity and restore public confidence in the governance of Nigerian football,” he said.
