Nigerian Sports Journalists Urged to Champion Independent, Impactful Reporting

Sports journalists in Nigeria have been urged to restore their independence and take a more active role in shaping national development, rather than serving only as reporters of sporting events.

Calls for stronger journalism

1. Former Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) president Sani Mohammed Zaria and National Patron Moses Andishu made the appeal at the 2026 SWAN Triennial Delegates Congress in Kaduna.
2. Zaria, who headed the association between 1996 and 2002, cautioned journalists against compromising their professional standards in exchange for access, favours or personal benefits.
3. He told delegates that their responsibility extended beyond describing matches: they should contribute to improving the sporting system and lead public discussion instead of simply adopting agendas set by others.
4. The former president encouraged reporters to examine appointments, government spending, policy choices, the condition of sports facilities and athlete welfare before problems become crises, rather than waiting to cover failures after they occur.
5. As a framework for that change, Zaria presented a seven-point programme focused on investigative journalism, oversight of sports administration, grassroots campaigns and professional ethics.
6. He also proposed that SWAN develop into a media think tank, publishing regular “State of Nigerian Sports” assessments and organising forums where sports officials would face questions about their performance and decisions.
7. Andishu reinforced the message in a keynote titled “Harnessing the Power of Sports and the Media for National Development, Youth Empowerment, and Global Competitiveness.”
8. He challenged the media to consider whether its coverage was sufficiently exposing structural failures among sports authorities, pointing to deteriorating infrastructure and the reduced focus on domestic leagues.
9. Andishu further called on journalists to oppose factional disputes, tackle the spread of false information and promote pathways for emerging athletes.
10. Shehu Abdullahi, chairman of the host Kaduna State SWAN chapter, urged members to preserve unity as the organisation prepares for a change in leadership. He reminded the congress that officeholders are temporary, while the association must endure.
11. Abdullahi also appealed for a peaceful electoral process and continued training for members in digital journalism and data-driven reporting.