SWAN Charges NFF to Engage Proven Hands For Super Eagles, Calls For Release of Members Kidnapped

By Amaechi Agbo, Abuja

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has enjoined the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to engage proven technical hands to handle Super Eagles.

This is as the Professional Association appealed to the country’s Football Body to give the Sporting Media its pride of place by opening up the space for SWAN to be included in the football statutory structure as critical stakeholders.

SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, who spoke via a statement issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Sunday, said inclusion of SWAN into the proposed amendment of NFF statute by the General Assembly will be a step in the right direction which will add more impetus to the upliftment of football in Nigeria.

On Super Eagles, the Sports Writers National leader said employing a quality tactician with a long term contract will help rebuild the country’s senior men team for desired result.

The number one Sports Writer in Nigeria also urged NFF not to be fixated by where any coach comes from, but be concerned about the track record of someone with sound technical abilities.

“Gone are the days when countries engage a coach because of where he or she comes from. What really matter is someone with pedigree to deliver. Despite the events of recent past, we still believe that indigenous coaches have the needed technical abilities to deliver.

“By record, Nigerian-born coaches have cumulatively done better with both our men and women National teams. All Nigerians want is a person who is focused and dynamic with the modern coaching techniques,” he said.

The President of SWAN also emphasised the need for NFF to make haste in repositioning its technical sub-committee in alignment with the technical department of the Federation for optimum performance.

Talking about a long period plan, President Benjamin reckoned that only a strategic and sustainable grassroots football development implementation would profer lasting solution.

He said, “The fact remains that sustained development of the Leagues at all levels will give Nigerian football a breath of fresh air. From what many stakeholders witnessed in the just concluded football season, it does appear that something good for country’s domestic football ecosystem is gradually happening.

“Developing the leagues steadily is one sure way of reviving the football we all will certainly be proud of, just like other countries that have gone ahead of us both in Africa and beyond. Therefore, the managers of the various Leagues should redouble their efforts in a bid to achieve more improvements.”

“I was particularly elated while watching the final of 2024 President Federation Cup final live on television, coupled with the prize money for both men and women finalists. All these can only get better,” Mr. Benjamin added.

Meanwhile, SWAN has congratulated Barr. Paul Edeh on his Chieftaincy title conferment as ‘Oojela K’idoma’ by the Idoma Area Traditional Council at the weekend in Otukpo, Benue State.

A letter of Congratulations by the SWAN National leadership described the honour done Chief Barr. Edeh, the only Proprietor of two women football  clubs – Naija Ratels and Honey Badgers as well deserved.

“We join millions of Nigerians in felicitating with you for your years of dogged and dedicated contributions to the growth and development of football in our country,” part of the letter reads.

Chief Edeh who is also the Chairman of Benue State Football Association has been a distinguished philanthropist, affecting lives in parts of Nigeria and beyond.