SWAN Demands Overhaul Of Women’s Football, Backs Tinubu’s 10-Year Reform Plan

KADUNA – The Super Falcons’ shock failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup has triggered fresh calls for a fundamental overhaul of Nigerian women’s football, with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) demanding urgent reforms across the sector.

SWAN made the demand in a communiqué issued at the end of its Triennial National Delegates Congress held in Kaduna, where delegates also backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed football reforms and called for implementation of a 10-Year Football Development Plan.

The association described the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the Brazil 2027 World Cup as a major setback for Nigeria, a country it said had historically dominated African women’s football and participated in every previous edition of the competition.

SWAN called for a comprehensive and sustainable national women’s football development plan covering grassroots development, youth pathways, the Nigeria Women’s Football League, coaching, player welfare, facilities and national-team preparation.

The association said the plan should contain measurable targets and adequate funding capable of restoring Nigeria’s leadership in African women’s football and improving its competitiveness globally.

On the wider football reform agenda, SWAN commended President Tinubu for what it described as an “intentional and audacious call” for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football.

It also applauded what it described as the prompt release of funds for local, regional, continental and international championships, stressing that timely funding was critical to effective preparation and participation.

SWAN further endorsed the 10-Year Football Development Plan proposed by the committee led by the late Ibrahim Galadima, urging stakeholders to implement its recommendations without further delay.

The association called on football stakeholders to place the long-term development and prosperity of Nigerian football above sectional and personal interests.

Beyond football administration, SWAN urged sports journalists to adapt to the rapidly changing media environment through capacity building in digital journalism, data reporting, artificial intelligence, multimedia storytelling and emerging technologies.

It said government agencies, sports federations and competition organisers should also provide journalists with timely information, accreditation, access and appropriate working facilities.

According to the association, stronger collaboration between sports authorities and the media would improve information dissemination while helping to combat misinformation and protect the integrity of Nigerian sports.

SWAN also welcomed the decision of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to readmit the association into its National Executive Council.

The sports writers described the development as an important step towards strengthening unity within the Nigerian journalism profession, while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a cordial and cooperative relationship with the NUJ.

The association, however, stressed that its leadership structure, comprising the National President, Deputy President and Vice Presidents, should not be downplayed.

It pledged to work with the NUJ in advancing journalists’ interests, promoting professional standards and strengthening the Nigerian media profession.

The communiqué, signed by SWAN Secretary-General, Ikenna Okonkwo, followed deliberations by delegates representing the association’s chapters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.