In a strongly worded statement that echoes the frustrations of many within the sports media community, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called on the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and other key stakeholders to end the systemic neglect of sports journalists in the country.
Speaking through Secretary-General Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo on behalf of SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, the association decried the “appalling and unacceptable” treatment meted out to media professionals who have played a vital role in the evolution of Nigerian sports over the decades, often at personal cost.
“We Pay Our Own Way”
Citing the just-concluded 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where over 25 Nigerian sports journalists attended the tournament through personal funding, SWAN lamented that the journalists not only reported but also served as active supporters of the Super Falcons. Despite this sacrifice, their contributions went unnoticed by sports administrators.
“Journalists pay their way through to attend and cover competitions, facing harsh conditions, financial strain, and even personal risks,” said President Benjamin. “Yet, administrators and others treat them with disdain.”
This growing rift between sports administrators and journalists, he added, is both counterproductive and damaging to the image and development of Nigerian sports.
Recognition Without Reward
President Benjamin acknowledged past leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for rewarding athletes and technical staff with national honours and incentives. However, he pointed out that the media, who play an indispensable role in amplifying those achievements, remain consistently undervalued and unrewarded.
“In other countries, sports journalists are seen as integral to the ecosystem,” Benjamin said. “Here, they’re treated as an afterthought.”
He questioned why administrators conveniently cite “lack of funds” when it comes to media inclusion, yet consistently find resources for their own comfort. “The hypocrisy is loud,” he said, “especially when these same officials rely on the media during personal crises but ignore them during institutional activities.”
Call for Inclusion and Respect
SWAN called for urgent reforms in how the NSC, federations, and other stakeholders view the role of sports journalism in Nigeria. This includes integrating journalists into the planning and execution of sporting events, providing travel support, access, and incentives, and establishing platforms for collaboration and mutual respect.
“It’s time we stopped treating sports writers as disposable accessories and recognized them as the heartbeat of public engagement and narrative shaping in Nigerian sports,” said Benjamin.
As the Nigerian sports sector evolves, SWAN’s demands serve as a reminder that progress must be inclusive and the media, long overlooked, deserve a seat at the table.
