The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has blamed poor investment in domestic leagues, inadequate sports infrastructure, insufficient funding and weak accountability for the declining fortunes of Nigeria’s sports sector.
The association warned that the growing dominance of foreign leagues and the neglect of indigenous competitions were depriving young Nigerians of opportunities to develop their talents and compete at the highest level.
National Patron of SWAN, Mr Moses Andishu, raised the concerns in Kaduna on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the association’s 2026 Triennial Delegates Congress, with the theme, “Harnessing the Power of Sports and the Media for National Development, Youth Empowerment and Global Competitiveness.”
Andishu said Nigeria had gradually traded its indigenous sports culture for foreign alternatives, a development he noted had weakened local competitions, stunted talent development and deprived local media organisations of sponsorship and endorsement opportunities.
He challenged sports journalists to strengthen their watchdog role by holding sports administrators accountable for the management and utilisation of resources meant for sports development.
The SWAN patron also called for greater investment in youth development through structured mentorship, modern facilities, adequate equipment and sustainable funding to enable young talents compete at elite international competitions.
He recalled the historic role of the sports media in discovering and promoting Nigerian talents, citing the celebrated report by Dr Mumuni Alao titled, “Westerhof, Here Is Your Destroyer,” which he said helped pave the way for the emergence of former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh.
Andishu further urged SWAN to take a firm stand against misinformation, sensationalism and factionalism, while maintaining its position as a neutral bridge-builder within the sports community.
He stressed that the credibility of sports journalism remained critical to the development of Nigerian sports and national development generally.
Also speaking, SWAN President, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, described the congress as a platform for unity, renewal and progress, urging delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to place the collective interest of the association above personal ambitions.
Benjamin said SWAN must become more professional, financially sustainable, democratic and accountable, while strengthening the welfare of its members and embracing technology and the changing realities of modern journalism.
He called for stronger institutional partnerships, capacity-building opportunities and welfare programmes, urging government, corporate organisations, sports federations and development partners to regard SWAN as a strategic partner in the promotion, development and documentation of Nigerian sports.
Chairman of the SWAN Kaduna state chapter, Shehu Abdullahi, similarly called for unity and a peaceful leadership transition, urging delegates to approach Friday’s election with maturity, tolerance and sportsmanship.
Abdullahi also advocated improved welfare and professional development for sports journalists through regular training in digital journalism, investigative reporting, data journalism, ethical reporting and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Meanwhile, SWAN’s electoral committee, SWANECO, has cleared candidates for the national election scheduled for Friday, August 28, with incumbent President Isaiah Kemje Benjamin emerging as the sole candidate for the presidency.
The congress, holding in Kaduna from August 26 to 29, 2026 is expected to elect a new leadership and set a fresh agenda for the association.
The speakers urged SWAN to use its influence to promote grassroots sports, protect the interests and welfare of sports journalists, strengthen professional standards and contribute meaningfully to youth empowerment and national development.
