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Build The Foundation First' - Ikorodu City Boss Sanmi Doherty Urges NSC To Prioritise Youth Development Over Big Wages

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President Ikorodu City FC Sanmi Doherty says Nigeria’s football reforms will only succeed if clubs are allowed to invest in academies before being burdened with unsustainable salary demands. Sanmi Doherty, has waded into the debate over the NPFL reform agenda, calling for a development-first approach instead of pushing clubs toward heavy financial obligations they cannot sustain. Doherty’s comments come after National Sports Commission Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, confirmed that the 2026/2027 NPFL season will kick off with or without full compliance to the Commission’s new club licensing requirements. While acknowledging the need for reforms, Doherty argued that Nigeria’s football future cannot be built on high player wages alone. Speaking on the direction of Nigerian football, the President Ikorodu City said the real growth will come from the grassroots. “If I have my way, I want to invest more in my academy and developmental programmes. I want to start from prim...
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SWAN Stands a Great Deal of Respect Through Unity, Professionalism...".--- Benjamin Isaiah.

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The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Benjamin Isaiah, has outlined his administration’s vision to rebuild the association into a respected professional body while addressing critical challenges affecting sports journalists across the country. Isaiah made this known during his appearance as a guest on the Friday night Super Interview session of the Sports World WhatsApp Platform, hosted by the platform’s founder and administrator, Mr. Sunday Agunbiade, popularly known as Mr. VAR. During the interactive session, the SWAN President spoke extensively on issues ranging from the stability of the association, welfare of sports journalists, accreditation challenges, professionalism, digital transformation and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Awijare News highlights some of the key issues discussed during the interview. Building a United and Respected SWAN Since assuming office as SWAN President, Benjamin Isaiah said his administration’s major f...
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SWAN President, Benjamin Isaiah Explains Challeges Faced in Sharing Traveling Slots to Members

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President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN has reacted to allegations over the sharing of travelling slots given to the Body by both National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF. The Kogi born Media experts stated this while featuring in a popular WhatsApp group, *Sports World Platform* on Friday, 17th July, 2026 in a questions and answer session tagged Super Interview hosted by Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR) . Critic within the executives and extended members across some state chapters have alleged the misused official traveling slots ,and such to them is tantamount to acting against association statutes. Some opposing NEC members claimed Benjamin diverted travel opportunities intended for executives, while the same conspiracy theory was overtly circulated by state chapters across media space.   Reacting, "I think this is just an allegstion because it's not absolute true. What I can confirm to you is that the National Spor...
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Best Talent FC Set to Face MKA FA In 4 Days Nextgen Elite Championship Pre-Season Cup

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All is now set for Best Talent Football Club of Mowe to lock horns against MKA Football Club in the Maiden edition of Nextgen Elite Championship Pre Season Cup. The pre season tourney which runs from Sunday, 12th to Wednesday,15th July, 2026, is designed to serve as a test run to private league coming up later in the year. But, the hostility will take place at Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun state where some carefully selected high flying football clubs in the state have been pitched against each other to pilot the muddy water. This championship is aimed at preparing private clubs ahead of the upcoming football season while providing entertainment for fans during the off-season. The competition will feature four matches daily, except for designated rest days, ensuring continuous excitement throughout the week. The competition will feature 12 teams which include : Best Talent FC, Super Acurate, Fun Twins, Elegant FA, Aremu FC, New Hope Naija FC and Supreme God...
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SWAN, Byblos Seal Partnership For Reduced International, Domestic Airfare Costs

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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has signed a strategic agreement with Byblos Travels and Tours Nigeria Limited, aimed at providing affordable travel opportunities and logistics support for sports journalists. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Abuja, is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on sports journalists through discounted airfares, visa advisory services, accommodation support and other travel-related benefits. Speaking, SWAN President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, described the agreement as a major step towards improving the welfare and professional capacity of members. The SWAN President said the leadership carefully examined the details of the agreement before endorsing it, while commending a veteran Sports Journalist Abdulgafar Oladimeji for facilitating the agreement. "Anything that will benefit our members, we are always interested in it. Having gone through the contents of this agreement, I believe it wi...
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8th Edition of Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Pre-Season Tournament Gets Date, Venue

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The organisers of the 8th edition of the Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Pre-Season Tournament have confirmed that the competition is scheduled to kick off on August 5th and will run through August 12, 2026.   The highly anticipated tournament will feature Nigeria's elite teams, Second Tiers League, NNL and NLO in a thrilling contest It would be recalled that the 7th edition of the Pre-Season Tournament was held in Abia state and Enugu where the group matches held while Enugu hosted the finals between Rangers international FC vs Enyimba international FC which Enyimba won by a lone goal.Enugu will play host to the sought after tournament this year.   The competition was founded by former Super Eagles player Ifeanyi Ekwueme, saying it gears towards allowing clubs to test their tactics and give young players a chance to be seen by scouts.  The Ex Super Eagles forward emphasized the tournament's importance, noting that it offers a vital opportunity to fine-tune t...
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Best Talent FC Resumes Break, Retains 20 Players, Sets Up Open Screening for new legs

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...Open Trial commences Monday and ends Saturday. Camp of Best Talent Football Club of Mowe today, 5th July, 2026 returns to its ecstatic steeze as players resume from a week break in prepration for different trials and other season's engagements. Coach Farouk Yusuf while speaking with club’s Media after completing their first training session, he expressed joy over the attitude of his boys and said the Integrity side would aim for the best in the much anticipated programmes.  According to the grassroots football proponent, I'm extremely delighted to welcome back 20 players out of 33 we used to prosecute the recently concluded Nationwide League One season. They responded well with just a light training session after a short break." "Safe to put it on record that we dropped 13 players on performance clause and we have sent invitations to some brilliant players spotted during the league." "May I add that screening and open trials for young and inge...
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