The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has declared a nationwide boycott of all activities connected to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), including its upcoming Annual General Assembly scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, comes after what SWAN described as the NFF’s “deliberate and persistent exclusion” of the association from its Congress—the federation’s highest decision-making platform.
In a statement signed by SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin and Secretary-General Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, the body condemned the NFF’s stance, calling it unacceptable and harmful to the role of the sporting media in national football development.
“The media is a critical pillar in global sports growth. SWAN, as the professional body coordinating sports journalism in Nigeria, has continually engaged the NFF on restoring our rightful place in its Congress. Yet, while the Federation claims to be expanding its Congress, it keeps sidelining us. This is both short-sighted and damaging to Nigerian football,” the statement read.
SWAN further accused the NFF leadership of deepening division in football administration, adding that the federation’s poor governance is reflected in Nigeria’s recurring failures on the international stage.
“Despite significant financial and institutional backing from government and private sponsors, Nigerian football continues to decline. It’s time to put an end to this dangerous trend before the nation’s most cherished sport suffers further damage,” the association stated.
As part of its action, SWAN directed members across the country to halt coverage and promotion of NFF-related activities with immediate effect. The association also unveiled plans to set up a task force to ensure compliance and to begin a full investigation into alleged maladministration within the NFF.
“We will expose the backward practices now synonymous with the Federation’s operations, practices that have contributed to Nigeria’s repeated failures in World Cup qualification,” the body declared.
Reaffirming its role as a vital stakeholder in Nigerian football, SWAN vowed not to accept any form of marginalisation.
“The exclusion of SWAN from the NFF Congress is no longer acceptable. We remain resolute in defending the integrity and rightful place of the sporting media within Nigeria’s football ecosystem,” the statement concluded.
