By NICHOLAS OBISIKE

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Abia Chapter, has condemned the exclusion of journalists from covering the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 27 fixture between Enyimba FC and Ikorodu City FC on Sunday in Aba.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Enyimba lost 0–1 at home to the visitors in the match, which was played at the Enyimba International Stadium.

A statement signed by the SWAN Chairman, Abia, Kingsley Okwum, and Secretary, Bethel Kalu, and made available to newsmen in Aba on Monday said that the match was scheduled to be played behind closed doors following NPFL sanctions on Enyimba.

The statement quoted Enyimba’s media department as informing accredited journalists on Sunday morning that journalists would be granted access but on the contrary, they were denied access to the match.

SWAN, however, described the situation as embarrassing, noting that journalists who presented their accreditation tags and official identity cards were denied entry, in spite of efforts they made to arrive at the stadium as early as 2 p.m.

According to the association, enquiries by the journalists revealed that the Match Commissioner, Saidu Aliyu, placed an embargo on media coverage, citing the “behind closed doors” directive.

The association described the action as a direct affront to sports journalism and an insult to members of the fourth estate of the realm.

“We condemn in strong terms the actions of the Match Commissioner, Saidu Aliyu, and all officials involved in this act of disrespect and shame,” the statement said.

SWAN stressed that journalists are critical stakeholders in sports development and should not be treated as inconsequential.

“Journalists are not passengers; we are the eyes of the world and key stakeholders in the game.

“Locking us out while discharging our lawful duties is unacceptable,” it added.

The association demanded that the Match Commissioner and other officials involved be cautioned and re-oriented to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism.

The statement recalled that journalists were granted access to stadiums during the COVID-19 restrictions, adding that denying media access under the present circumstances was primitive and capable of bringing the league into disrepute.

SWAN urged the management of Enyimba to ensure that such an incident does not recur at subsequent home matches played under the “behind closed doors” directive.

The association also called the attention of the Nigeria Premier Football League and the Nigeria Football Federation to the incident, urging them to investigate the matter in order to protect the image of the league.

SWAN warned that it would not tolerate the dehumanisation of its members in the course of their duties and would take necessary steps to defend the profession. (NAN)