SWAN Demands Overhaul Of Women’s Football, Greater Voice In Sports Governance
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called for urgent reforms across Nigerian sports, warning that the country’s setbacks in women’s football and gaps in sports administration require decisive action.
The call formed part of resolutions reached at SWAN’s Triennial National Delegates Congress held in Kaduna, where delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory reviewed the state of Nigerian sports and the welfare of sports journalists.
The association expressed concern over the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, describing the development as a major setback for a country that had featured in every previous edition of the tournament.
SWAN demanded a comprehensive national plan for 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 backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed 10-year football development plan and commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for recent achievements, including Nigeria’s performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the qualification of the women’s beach volleyball team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
But SWAN wants a bigger role in sports administration.
It called for its inclusion in the NSC’s strategic communication and contingency structures, as well as in the Main Organising Committees and Local Organising Committees of major competitions.
It specifically sought responsibility for accrediting sports journalists at the forthcoming Lagos 2026 National Intermediate Games and Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival.
The association also demanded representation in any NFF Normalisation Committee, restoration of its place in the NFF Electoral College and appropriate representation on the NFF Executive Committee.
On broader sports administration, SWAN urged the Federal Government to inaugurate the NSC’s 17-member Governing Board without further delay, alongside stronger systems for athletes’ welfare, grassroots talent development and sports infrastructure.
The congress also welcomed SWAN’s readmission into the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ National Executive Council, describing it as a step towards greater unity within the journalism profession.
The delegates commended the Kaduna State Government for hosting the congress and its investment in sports infrastructure, including the reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium and rehabilitation of the Uba Sani Township Stadium.
The communiqué was signed by SWAN Secretary-General, Ikenna Okonkwo, in Kaduna on August 29, 2026.
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