By Austin Ajayi
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed strong concern over the persistent neglect of its members who cover major sporting competitions both within and outside the country, stressing that Nigerian sports journalists deserve better recognition and support for their years of hard work and dedication.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by SWAN Secretary-General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, on behalf of the association’s President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, SWAN called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) and other relevant stakeholders to extend long-overdue recognition, support, and incentives to sports journalists who have, for decades, significantly contributed to the development of sports in Nigeria—often at great personal cost.
The statement decried the disregard shown to sports journalists by key figures in the Nigerian sports ecosystem, despite their visible and critical roles.
SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin lamented that unlike what is obtainable in other parts of the world, the Nigerian sports media are often left to fend for themselves—an attitude he described as appalling and unacceptable.
He highlighted the immense contributions of dedicated sports journalists, who play vital roles in nurturing the careers of athletes, technical officials, and administrators from the grassroots to elite levels.
“Journalists often sponsor themselves to attend and cover competitions—both locally and internationally. They endure harsh weather conditions, high transportation and accommodation costs, and many other risks. Yet, sports administrators and stakeholders treat them with disdain,” Benjamin stated.
Citing the recent 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, the association revealed that more than 25 Nigerian sports journalists attended the tournament through personal funding, with no institutional or governmental sponsorship.
“Beyond covering the tournament, these journalists passionately supported the Super Falcons from the stands, boosting the team’s morale and visibility throughout the competition,” the statement noted.
President Benjamin described the situation of the average Nigerian sports journalist as “pathetic,” lamenting that many face countless challenges without any form of assistance, reward, or recognition.
“Despite playing a leading role in the growth of sports month after month, year after year, journalists in Nigeria remain highly undervalued—even by officials in strategic positions who should know better,” he added.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, and past Nigerian leaders for rewarding athletes and technical officials with cash prizes, houses, and national honours, Benjamin emphasized that the media—who serve as amplifiers of these successes—must not be forgotten.
“Yes, the athletes and technical officials deserve to be rewarded and celebrated. However, journalists, as citizens who have demonstrated unwavering commitment in promoting not just sports but also Nigeria’s economic growth, deserve far more recognition than they currently receive,” he said.
“In other countries, governments, corporate bodies, and sports organizations go to great lengths to support the sporting media. But in Nigeria, even top officials within the former Ministry of Sports, now the National Sports Commission (NSC), see the media merely as an afterthought—which is unacceptable.”
He criticized the continued marginalization of the media during the planning and implementation of sporting activities, noting that journalists are often intentionally excluded by administrators.
“Most times, during the planning and execution of sporting programs and events, media professionals are deliberately sidelined,” Benjamin said.
He concluded by questioning the motives of sports administrators who are quick to rely on media coverage to publicize achievements but fail to include or acknowledge journalists in their processes.
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