The leadership of the National Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), ably led by Sir Honour Sirawoo, has issued a disclaimer regarding a purported presidential debate being organized by the Sports Writers in the country africafootunited report.

Recall that on September 3, 2022, africafootunited reported under the caption “NFF ELECTIONS: A Debate In Sight Between The Presidential Candidates”. The story further stated that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the SWAN has concluded plans to organize a debate among the candidates running for the position of the President of the NFF, but a recent disclaimer has debunked that. However, according to a Press Statement issued by the Secretary-General of the National SWAN, Jude Opara, on behalf of SWAN, they debunked the story saying there is no iota of truth in it. The statement further added that article 16(1) of the SWAN statutes did not empower a state chapter to deal directly with any national agency without approval from the national body, and as such, the Abuja Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has no powers to do such. The statement further added that the FCT leadership of the Sports Writers body led by Mr. Ndubueze Chidoka did not hold any congress where such decisions were taken and, as such, this could just be the handwork of mischief makers. SWAN further stated that the national body, in conjunction with the Association for Better Organized Nigerian League and Professionally managed Teams, is planning a presidential debate on zoom with the candidates, and at a date will be announced in due course. The apex Sports Writers body in the country advised the NFF and Sports Ministry to refrain from keying into programmes created by imposters who were only seeking political relevance by issuing such statements.