Imo SWAN Draws Battle Line, Boycotts Kun Khalifat FC Matches Over Alleged Media Snub
..Calls for NFF, NPFL probe
By Everest Ezihe, Owerri
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, has drawn the battle line with Kun Khalifat FC, resolving to boycott all publicity, promotion and media activities of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side until further notice.
The decision was taken during their crucial Congress on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in which they deliberated on what members described as the alleged mistreatment, intimidation and security concerns involving sports journalists during Kun Khalifat FC’s NPFL Matchday Two encounter against Barau FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Sunday, September 6.
According to a press statement issued and signed by Messrs Cosmos Chukwuemeka and Tunde Liadi, the association’s State Chairman and Secretary respectively pointed out that accredited sports journalists who arrived at the stadium to perform their professional duties were allegedly denied access to the venue, reportedly on the directive of the club even when one of them bought ticket.
The development, the sports writers said, was further compounded by comments allegedly attributed to the Chairman of the Imo State Football Association, Barrister Ifeanyi Dike, who reportedly said that the restriction was at the instance of the owner of Kun Khalifat FC.
Dike was also reportedly quoted as saying that the safety of a journalist attempting to gain access to the press stand could not be guaranteed.
However, Barr. Ifeanyi Dike, the Imo FA Chairman in an interview with Newstap.com.ng accused the leadership of Imo SWAN of being economical with the truth, and alleged subterranean activities geared towards undermining home teams.
According to Dike ” we have substantial evidences that the Chairman of Imo SWAN, Mr. Cosmos Chukwuemeka worked closely with Mr. Dominic Iorfa, the General Manager of Barau FC, Kano and some crew members of the team prior to the match, during and after the match, all aimed at frustrating the home team and the result of the match justified all he was alleged to have done.
”FA was merely trying to protect Chukwuemeka based on reports to me that some fans of Kun Khalifa had poised for a show down against Chukwuemeka in the stadium because of allegations of insubordination credited to him against their darling club”.
Dike reiterated his willingness to speak out more on the issue at any point in time and challenged Imo SWAN on the need for proper investigation before carrying out their sanction or sanctions.
Meanwhile, the Congress further alleged that an official of Kun Khalifat FC also issued a threat, an action it described as unacceptable and capable of undermining the safety and professional responsibilities of sports journalists covering football in the state.
Imo SWAN maintained that journalists accredited to cover officially sanctioned football matches should have unhindered access to designated media areas and must be protected from intimidation, harassment and threats.
The Congress also faulted the handling of the situation by the Imo State Football Association, stressing that the state football governing body has a responsibility to ensure adequate security and proper access arrangements for all legitimate stakeholders at matches under its jurisdiction.
Consequently, the Congress unanimously resolved that members of Imo SWAN should suspend all publicity, promotion and media coverage of Kun Khalifat FC and its activities until further notice.
The association also called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and take appropriate measures to ensure that similar situations do not recur.
While reaffirming its commitment to the growth and development of sports in Imo State, Imo SWAN insisted that sports journalists deserve respect and a safe working environment.
The association stressed that its members must be allowed to carry out their legitimate professional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment or threats to their personal safety.
The boycott, according to the Congress, will remain in force until the issues raised by the association are satisfactorily addressed.
