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.