Sports
SWAN Worries Over Future Of Nigerian Football
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has Wednesday expressed serious concern over the dwindling fortunes of Nigerian football in recent times.
In a press statement signed by its Deputy Secretary-General, Babs Oyetoro, the body said Nigeria’s present situation was one of its darkest moments in football.
“It is sad to note that this is the first time since 1986 that Nigeria would fail to qualify for the African Nations Cup.
“It is also worrisome that the Super Falcons, who were African champions for a sixth time record by 2010,did not make it to the All-Africa Games last held in Maputo.
“Now, they are already out of the Olympic Games slated for London in 2012,’’ SWAN said in the statement, a copy of which was made available to the Tidesports source in Abuja.
The sports writers body also lamented the failure of former African champions Enyimba International FC of Aba to qualify for the final round of the CAF Champions League.
“This was after it (Enyimba)had raised the hope of the teeming Nigerian populace that they were on the verge of making another history.
“In the same vein, Sunshine Stars of Akure lost at home in the CAF Confederation Cup in the first leg match, and this is also a testament to the declining state of the Nigerian league,’’ SWAN said.
It noted that all these indicated that there were some fundamental problems.
“Obviously, something is fundamentally wrong with Nigerian football,’’ SWAN lamented.
It then called on the Nigerian football authorities to urgently address the ugly situation.
“This has to be done with immediate effect, if Nigerian football must move ahead. Nigerian football, at the moment, needs an urgent reformation to move forward,’’ it said.
It also urged the National Sports Commission ( NSC) to go beyond funding the game, and take its supervisory role more serious.
“The NSC should be prepared to take the bull by the horns to deliver the round leather game from its present captivity.
“It should work in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) to find a lasting solution to the lingering crises.
“These crises, to a larger extent, have affected the genuine growth of the game because any house divided against itself can never stand,’’ SWAN said.
It further called on all the warring factions in Nigerian football to sheathe their swords in the interest of the game.
“Certainly, there cannot be any meaningful progress amid crisis.
“This is why the NFA board members, when they meet on Friday in Abuja, should allow national interest to be the overriding factor with a view to moving Nigerian football forward,’’ the body said.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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