Sports
S’Eagles: It’s Time To Rely On Our Own– SWAN President
Following the Super Eagles shock loss and subsequent crash out from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon at the last 16 stage, the President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Sir Honour Sirawoo has called for an introspection from the managers of football in the country and the taking of the right decisions to ensure that the national team builds on the positives noticed at the Championship.
The SWAN President, who was of the opinion that the Eagles ouster at the first knock-out stage after so much promise was unfortunate, believed that the team under an indigenous coach put up more impressive performances than they have done in recent years under an expatriate. He, thus, called for the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to look inwards and give more opportunities to local coaches.
“It’s time to rely on what we have, our own”, said Sirawoo. ‘I think it’s time to give the local coaches opportunities to get better because the more you give an individual chances, the better he becomes. Austin Eguavoen has done well despite not getting beyond the Round of 16’.
According to the President, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Rivers State,” it is unfortunate that we had to crash out at the stage we did but that should not make us to begin to clamour for foreign coaches. We have good number of local coaches who have done well with our youth teams and some who distinguished themselves with national teams of other countries. We should be able to open them up to opportunities and equip them by sending them on courses to improve themselves”
Sir Sirawoo agreed that technical and tactical deficiencies on the part of the Nigerian bench contributed to the loss to Tunisia, as the team failed to react early and positively to the opponents’ strategy, he however, believes that Nigerian coaches have the potential to develop and take the country to the desired height if given the room, support and cooperation by the relevant authorities.
On the chances of the Super Eagles surviving Ghana and qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the President was positive that Nigeria would qualify.
“I think we would qualify for the world cup and going by what we have seen at the AFCON, Nigeria’s team and performance were better than Ghana and considering that the Eagles were missing some key game-changing players at the AFCON, I don’t see Ghana stopping Nigeria.
“Also, by the time the final qualifying round would come, I expect that due analysis on why we failed in Cameroon, what needs to be done to get better and the right personnel to prosecute the matches would have been concluded. In fact, I think Nigeria should be able to beat Ghana and be at Qatar 2022”, concluded Sirawoo.
By: Gabriel Nwanetanya
The decision comes after Benin failed to secure approval for any of their home stadiums from the Confederation of African Football.
As a result, the federation opted to play its “home” fixture at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.
The first leg of the second-round qualifier will be held in Togo on October 24, whilst the return leg will take place four days later in Nigeria on October 28.
The aggregate winner over the two legs will advance to the 2026 WAFC
Ferdinand soared to victory on Saturday, lifting an impressive 153kg to clinch gold in the women’s up to 79kg category and further cement Nigeria’s legacy in the sport.
Her remarkable feat added to Nigeria’s growing medal haul at the historic championship after Nworgu had earlier won silver in the 50kg category, whilst Ajiboye claimed bronze in the same class.
Nworgu narrowly missed gold to Venezuela’s Clara Fuentes, who edged her out for the top spot in a fiercely contested competition.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated the athletes on their outstanding performances, commending their relentless drive and patriotic spirit.
“Our athletes continue to make us proud, showing the world that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in para powerlifting. Their bright start in Cairo reflects the depth of talent, discipline, and dedication that define Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.
“The NSC remains steadfast in providing the necessary support to ensure our champions keep soaring.”
The 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships, taking place from October 9 to 18, 2025, marks the first-ever edition to be hosted on African soil, a milestone event highlighting the continent’s growing influence in adaptive sports.
The National Sports Commission had expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and determination to uphold Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a force to be reckoned with in global para powerlifting.
The hosting of the championships in Cairo represents a significant moment for African para sports, providing an opportunity to showcase the continent’s growing infrastructure and commitment to disability sports.
Nigeria has established itself as one of the leading nations in para powerlifting, consistently winning medals at major international competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Championships.
The 10-day competition has attracted top para powerlifters from across the globe, all vying for world titles in their respective weight categories.
The National Sports Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Team Nigeria throughout the competition as the athletes aim for more podium finishes and continue to make the nation proud.
Nigeria’s strong start in Cairo has raised expectations that more medals will follow as the championship progresses, with several other Nigerian lifters yet to compete in their respective weight categories.
The NEC said the only intention of the suspended members of the association is to create confusion, wondering why they leverage the use of thugs to create confusion while colluding with illegal security operatives.
In a firm resolution reached by the NEC and endorsed by the National Secretariat, SWAN reaffirmed that Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively, remain indefinitely suspended from all activities and structures of the association.
The association has consequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), drawing attention to what it described as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, impersonation, and misuse of security operatives by the suspended duo to disrupt peace within the Lagos sporting and journalistic community.
In the petition signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association said the suspended officials are attempting to stage an unauthorised election in Lagos on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite prior notification of their suspension to both the Lagos State Police Command and the DSS Directorate.
SWAN recalled that during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, Ms. Oladunni mobilised more than eleven (11) police vehicles and armed operatives to a peaceful gathering of sports journalists — describing the act as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members.
“The so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC resolution stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.”
The association warned that any security officer or agency that lends support to the illegitimate exercise would be aiding an unlawful activity and undermining the association’s recognised constitutional order.
SWAN therefore, urged the IGP and DG DSS to restrain the suspended officials, maintain neutrality, and prevent any misuse of security institutions in matters internal to professional associations.
Reaffirming its authority, the NEC through the National Secretariat, reserves the power to supervise or approve elections in state chapters, stressing that any activity outside that structure “is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”
“The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement added. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.”
The association further assured all members nationwide of its commitment to due process, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, urging them to disregard the actions of the suspended individuals and remain guided by the decisions of the National Executive Council.
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