The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called for a stronger and more structured working relationship with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), reaffirming its readiness to support initiatives aimed at improving football administration, communication, transparency and stakeholder engagement.

The call was made when the national leadership of SWAN paid a working visit to the NFF Secretariat in Abuja, where the delegation held discussions with the federation’s interim management led by Acting Secretary-General, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, and Acting Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Ademola Olajire.

The engagement came shortly after SWAN participated in a stakeholders’ meeting with a joint FIFA and CAF delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria.

During that meeting, SWAN presented an 18-page position paper outlining the association’s perspectives on challenges confronting Nigerian football and possible pathways towards meaningful institutional and administrative reforms.

The SWAN-NFF meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to further examine areas of mutual interest and explore practical avenues for collaboration, particularly in communication, information management, public enlightenment and stakeholder engagement.

SWAN President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, stressed that the sports media should not be viewed merely as a channel for disseminating information but as an important stakeholder in the development and administration of Nigerian football.

Benjamin said the association remained willing to work with the NFF in promoting accurate and timely information, improving communication between football administrators and the public, and creating platforms for constructive dialogue around the development of the game.

Speaking during the meeting, Ikpeme described SWAN as a critical stakeholder in Nigerian football and expressed the federation’s commitment to strengthening the relationship.

“The NFF values SWAN as a critical stakeholder in Nigerian football, and we are committed to strengthening our partnership with the association to promote better communication, accountability and sustainable development of the game,” Ikpeme said.

Responding, Benjamin reaffirmed SWAN’s commitment to constructive engagement with the NFF and other stakeholders in the interest of Nigerian football.

“SWAN is ready to work constructively with the NFF and all stakeholders to strengthen Nigerian football through credible information, professional journalism, meaningful dialogue and collective responsibility for the growth of the game,” Benjamin said.

The engagement comes against the backdrop of the ongoing reform process in Nigerian football, with SWAN advocating an inclusive approach to restructuring that gives relevant stakeholders meaningful opportunities to contribute to the future governance and development of the game.

The association has also consistently highlighted the importance of credible information, professional journalism and effective communication in building public confidence and strengthening relationships between football institutions and their various stakeholders.

The visit therefore provided an opportunity for SWAN and the NFF interim management to establish areas where both institutions can work more closely while maintaining their respective responsibilities.

Members of the SWAN delegation included Secretary-General, Ikenna Victor Okonkwo, and Deputy Secretary-General, Samuel Ahmadu.

Also on the delegation were FCT SWAN Caretaker Chairman, Edwin Akwue; FCT Secretary, Tamara Ebewei; former FCT SWAN Chairman and Chief of Staff to the SWAN President, Chidoka Nwabueze; as well as FCT SWAN members Slyvanus Ofekun, Ralph Ekpang and Tolulope Oguntimehin.