The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Abia State Chapter condemns the illegitimate ban on journalists from covering the match between Enyimba and Ikorodu City on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba.
The match was to be played behind closed doors due to the NPFL’s sanctions on Enyimba. In the morning, the club’s media department informed accredited journalists that access will be granted when media men present their tags or their ID cards.
Journalists arrived as early as 2pm from different media houses in the state; from Aba and beyond and were denied access to the stadium. When they enquired, they were informed that the Match Commissioner, Saidu Yakubu Aliyu had placed embargo on journalists, with “behind closed doors” as an excuse.
As time passed, journalists came in their numbers to do their job but were made to stand outside, waiting for the Commissioner to give the green light but no journalist from the state, including those who traveled down to see the game were allowed in. For four hours, the journalists waited until full-time and they went home.
Our Stand
Abia SWAN views this charade as a direct affront on sports journalism and an insult taken too far on members of the fourth estate of the realm. It is a sad tale that the Ikorodu City officials who vehemently opposed the admission of press men did not recognize that they were involved in a professional league game, not a secret test game. They threatened to boycott the game if journalists were admitted, further delaying kickoff by 14 minutes.
We condemn in strong terms the actions of the Match Commissioner, Saidu Yakubu Aliyu and all the officials involved in this ugly dance of disrespect and shame.
Journalists are not passengers, we are critical stakeholders of the sport. We cannot be pushed aside and treated as if we do not matter when in essence, we are the eyes of the world to see the sport.
Journalists are not spare tyres, hence they must be respected and allowed to do their jobs. The Match Commissioner and all officials involved in this brazen display of unbridled power must be cautioned and re-oriented about the sport they represent. They must understand that the NPFL is not an “village league,” hence officials in the league must approach their duties with a high sense of professionalism.
Even during COVID-19, accredited journalists gained entrance into different stadiums—in Aba and different parts of the world and did their jobs. Hence, the decision to lock out journalists who came to work is primitive, clandestine and a pitiable attempt to drag the league in the mud.
Enyimba FC management must therefore ensure that such a shameful display of ignorant power does not happen again in their next home game in this “behind closed doors” dispensation. Communication must be succinct, timely and relevant.
We also bring this to the notice of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in order to ensure transparency and to protect the image of the league they have so worked hard to build. We believe this action brought the league to disrepute, hence those involved should be investigated.
Abia SWAN will not tolerate the dehumanization of its members in their line of duty and will not fail to take necessary action to protect the esteemed profession.
Signed: Kingsley Okwum, Chairman
Bethel Kalu, Secretary