The sports writers’ association proposes electoral reforms, stronger accountability and formal recognition for the sports media.
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called on FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to support a comprehensive restructuring of Nigerian football administration.
The association made the demand in an 18-page position paper presented by its National President, Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, to the joint FIFA/CAF Fact-Finding Mission in Abuja.
The proposal follows the resignation of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s board.
SWAN said the leadership vacuum presents an opportunity to address longstanding institutional weaknesses rather than simply organise another election under the existing structure.
“Nigeria does not require another cosmetic adjustment to its football administration. Nigeria requires a reset,” Benjamin said.
SWAN Calls for Governance Review
The association urged stakeholders to review Nigeria’s football governance framework from the NFF and State Football Associations to professional leagues, youth football and grassroots development.
It cautioned against rushing into another electoral process without addressing concerns surrounding representation, electoral procedures, the voters’ register and stakeholder participation.
SWAN proposed a governance audit, stakeholder mapping, statutory reforms and a verified voters’ register before the next NFF election.
Sports Media Seeks Formal Representation
SWAN also called for institutional recognition of the sports media within Nigerian football governance.
The association said sports journalists had been excluded from formal governance structures for approximately 16 years, despite their role in promoting competitions, documenting football history and scrutinising administrators.
Benjamin argued that sports media should participate in stakeholder consultations, transitional arrangements and appropriate governance structures.
He stressed that any representation should belong to the sports media constituency and emerge through a transparent institutional process rather than personal relationships.
“The sports media is not merely an external observer of football; it is a permanent part of the football ecosystem,” he said.
Reform Across the Football Pyramid
SWAN called for stronger governance and licensing frameworks for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and youth football.
It also advocated improved financial accountability covering NFF funds, government allocations, FIFA and CAF funding, sponsorship, broadcasting revenue, grants and infrastructure investments.
The association recommended independent audits, public reporting and professional commercial management to support the financial sustainability of Nigerian football.
Proposed Ten-Point Roadmap
SWAN’s proposed reform roadmap includes:
- National football governance audit.
- Stakeholder mapping.
- National football dialogue.
- Statutory review.
- Representation framework.
- Transitional governance.
- Electoral preparation.
- Constituency elections.
- NFF governing body election.
- Post-election reforms.
The association also proposed a FIFA/CAF-supported national football dialogue to bring together stakeholders and develop a sustainable governance framework.
Transitional Administration
SWAN said any transitional administration should have a clearly defined mandate, reform timetable, measurable targets, transparent reporting and an exit strategy.
It argued that a transitional structure should prepare the ground for comprehensive reform rather than function solely as a mechanism for organising another election.
The association identified five principles for its reform vision: inclusion, integrity, representation, accountability and performance.
SWAN urged FIFA and CAF to look beyond the immediate leadership crisis and support reforms capable of delivering stability, transparency and long-term football development in Nigeria.
The FIFA/CAF mission has been consulting football stakeholders, including administrators, state associations, leagues, players, coaches, referees and the sports media, as part of its assessment of Nigeria’s football governance challenges.
