The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, extends warm and spirited greetings to all members, partners, and friends of the sports community. We are delighted to officially announce our 2025 End-Of-The-Year Get-Together, scheduled to hold on, Saturday, December 13th, at Crest Suites Hotel, Okwu Uratta, Near Kanu Nwankwo Sports Complex, Owerri

This special gathering marks not just the close of another year, but a celebration of hard work, impactful storytelling, and the unifying power of sports journalism in Imo State. The event promises to be a vibrant, fun-filled occasion as sports writers take time to relax, reconnect, and reflect on what has been a truly successful year.

As we celebrate, Imo SWAN warmly invites corporate bodies, brands, sports stakeholders, and well-meaning individuals to key into this event through valued strategic partnerships. This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties with the state’s sports media ecosystem while aligning with a respected professional body that continues to shape the narrative of sports in Imo and beyond.

The evening will feature Exciting side attraction, Networking opportunities, games, Entertainment and light refreshment, Recognition moments and A relaxed atmosphere for bonding and collaboration

It promises to be an unforgettable experience as we unwind and celebrate excellence, resilience, and unity in sports journalism.

For further inquiries, partnership opportunities, or media engagement, please contact the event planning committee Chairman, Kenneth Ajuzie on 09064537365.

E-Signed
Anthony Ahize
Asst. Secretary, Imo SWAN

The attention of Enyimba Football Club has been drawn to a misleading report currently circulating, alleging that the club has slashed the salaries of its players by 50% following the home defeat to Wikki Tourist FC.

Enyimba FC wishes to categorically state that at no time did the management approve, initiate, or implement any salary reduction. The club remains fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in its relationship with players and staff.

This report is purely a figment of the writer’s imagination and should be disregarded by the general public. As a professional club, Enyimba FC communicates all official decisions and updates exclusively through its verified channels.

The club expresses concern that such false information emanated from a supposedly reputable media organization/personnel without any attempt to verify the claims from the club’s official platforms or through its management or media team.

Enyimba FC, while upholding its longstanding mutual respect with the media, remains focused on returning to winning ways. We will continue to work closely with media partners to highlight our activities and contribute to the advancement of the NPFL and football development in Nigeria.

Signed:
Enyimba Media

The South East Zone of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Mr. Norbert Okolie, the respected Media Director of Rangers International FC, who transitioned after a brief illness.
Mr. Okolie was a consummate professional whose dedication, integrity, and passion for sports journalism distinguished him as one of the finest in the field. His remarkable service to Rangers International FC and his immense contributions to the growth of media coverage within the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) earned him admiration from colleagues, administrators, players, and fans across the country.
South East SWAN stands in solidarity with Rangers International FC in this moment of deep loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Okolie family, his friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his humility, warmth, and exemplary professionalism.
His voice, storytelling, and unwavering commitment enriched football reportage in Nigeria, making Mr. Okolie not just a strong pillar for Enugu Rangers but a respected figure whose influence cut across club and regional lines. From the passion he brought to pitchside coverage to the excellence he demonstrated in the press box, his impact remains indelible.

As the sports community mourns, we honour the life and legacy of a dedicated media ambassador—Mr. Norbert Okolie—whose contributions will continue to inspire sports journalists for years to come.

The South East SWAN family prays for the peaceful repose of his soul and for God to grant his loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss.

Esigned

Ikemefuna Asika
VP South East Zone

Kennedy Onwunali
Zonal Secretary

Barau FC Technical Adviser, Ladan Bosso has expressed delight after securing the maximum points against Rangers International.

Barau FC moved out of the relegation zone after a 2-0 win over visiting Rangers in a 2025/26 NPFL Match Day 13 encounter at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

Muhd Umar opened the scoring in the 25th minutes with his first NPFL, finishing brilliantly from a fantastic pass by Yahya Ibrahim.

At the restart, substitute Joseph Kemin extended the lead off a header to mark his first NPFL goal of the season.

Reacting after the game, Bosso commended his players for the feat while assuring fans of their resolve to continue in the good run of form.

He said: “For this win, it is a start of good things to come and and that’s brings us out of the red zone. We hope that this victory continues to give us the platform to move forward.”

Ahead of the commencement of the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Remo Stars Ladies has announced the club’s new leaders.

Remo Stars Ladies are in Group B alongside last season’s runners-up, Nasarawa Amazons (seeded), who will face strong competition from Confluence Queens, Delta Queens, Sunshine Queens, Ahudiyannem Queens, Dannaz Ladies, Osun Babes, Abia Angels, and FC Robo Queens.

According to a post on the club’s C handle, “ushering us into the new season as the captain of the ladies, Immaculata Offiong to be assisted by Ogundele Olasubomi and Oleka Eberechukwu.”

The 2025/2026 NWFL Premiership season will officially kick off on November 26, 2025.

The Premiership will proceed until December 17, when it will observe a Christmas break, before resuming on January 7, 2026 while the regular season is scheduled to conclude on April 22, 2026.

Meanwhile, the opening Star Match of the Week between defending champions Bayelsa Queens and bronze winners Edo Queens will take place at the Samson Siasia Stadium on the same day.

WEEK ONE FIXTURES

Group A

Bayelsa Queens vs Edo Queens

Adamawa Queens vs Pacesetters Queens

Heartland Queens vs Ekiti Queens

Naija Ratels vs Ibom Angels

Castmog Ladies vs Rivers United

Group B

Nasarawa Amazons vs Delta Queens

Confluence Queens vs Abia Angels

Sunshine Queens vs Robo Queens

Ahudiyannem Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies

Dannaz Ladies vs Osun Babes

By SilverNews

After a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Nigeria’s talented forward Harmony Chidi, fondly called “The Predator,” is back with a bang as she completes a loan move to Bayelsa Queens ahead of the new Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership season.
The Imo-born striker, who rose to prominence as the top scorer for the Nigeria U-17 women’s team, has been out of action since sustaining an injury during the World Cup qualifying campaign. The setback ruled her out of the last FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, a tournament in which she was expected to shine following her impressive displays in the qualifiers.
After undergoing months of rehabilitation, Chidi has fully recovered and is now eager to relaunch her career in the elite division. Her arrival at Bayelsa Queens is seen as a major boost to the club’s attacking options as they prepare to challenge for honours both in the league and on the continental stage.

Known for her blistering pace, sharp movement, and clinical finishing, The Predator has already set her sights on hitting the ground running. Club insiders reveal that the technical crew has been impressed with her sharpness and hunger during training sessions, raising expectations that she will make an immediate impact once the season kicks off.
Speaking with SilverNews, a delighted Harmony Chidi said she is thrilled to be back on the pitch after a tough period. “It feels amazing to return stronger,” she said. “The injury was a difficult phase, but I’ve learned a lot from it. I’m ready to fight for my place and help Bayelsa Queens achieve great things this season.”
With her return, fans of the NWFL can look forward to seeing The Predator back in full flow—ready to terrorize defences and remind everyone why she remains one of Nigeria’s brightest young attacking prospects.

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has launched a compulsory digital portal for player registration and club licensing ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The initiative was announced in a statement issued on Friday, November 14, by the league’s Media Director, Samuel Ahmadu, as part of ongoing efforts to modernise administrative processes and strengthen regulatory compliance across the league.

Confirming the development, Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi said the digital platform represents a significant advancement in the NWFL’s governance standards.

“This platform is designed to eliminate manual delays, minimise documentation errors, and provide real-time oversight of all registration activities. It is an important step toward making the NWFL more efficient and globally competitive,” she said.

Shabi noted that the portal’s verification features will play a critical role in reducing common infractions such as age falsification, dual registration, and irregular player movement.

“The system gives the league the ability to authenticate submitted documents instantly. It strengthens integrity, ensures accountability, and aligns us with international best practices,” she added.

The NWFL COO also disclosed that the initiative received strong endorsement from club representatives during the recent Congress in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders approved the digital migration as essential to improving organisational efficiency and strengthening league structures.

Under the updated NWFL Registration and Club Licensing Regulations, all clubs are required to complete their player registration exclusively through the new portal from November 14 to 21, 2025.

Required documentation includes national identification, passport photographs, verified age records, academic credentials, medical fitness reports, and digitally signed player contracts.

Licensing submissions also mandate coaching licences, stadium certification, audited financial statements, ownership documents, and evidence of youth development structures.

According to the NWFL secretariat, the digital portal is also a strategic tool to enhance the marketability of the league by improving transparency, data integrity, and administrative professionalism, key requirements for attracting sponsors, commercial partners, and international collaborations.

By SilverNews

The maiden edition of the Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha Football Competition kicked off on Saturday with a lively and action-packed opener at Premier Primary School, Amaifeke, Orlu.

Hosts Amaifeke Community thrilled home supporters with a dominant display, securing a convincing 4-1 victory over visitors Mgbe Community.

Amaifeke announced their intentions early when Ifeanyi Okorie Atu struck in the 5th minute to set the tone for the encounter.

The hosts maintained their momentum after the break, with Chigozie Okorie firing home four minutes into the second half to extend the lead.

Mgbe momentarily clawed their way back into the contest in the 56th minute after Ebube Obi converted a rebound from a saved penalty, bringing a glimmer of hope to the visitors. But Amaifeke responded swiftly and decisively. Nwankwo John produced the moment of the match in the 70th minute, embarking on a brilliant solo run that saw him glide past three defenders before finishing with composure. Chidera Okeke put the game beyond doubt in the 88th minute, rounding off a commanding performance.

Addressing journalists after the match, the sponsor of the competition and Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha, said the tournament was born out of a desire to empower young people across the LGA.

“We give glory to God for the success of today’s opening match,” he said. “I must also appreciate the Imo State Governor, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodinma, for his continuous support and for creating the right atmosphere for unity and development in Orlu.”

Onyeocha explained that the inaugural competition serves as a platform to discover raw football talent hidden within Orlu’s communities. “This tournament is specially designed to help our young people express their God-given abilities. The outstanding talents will have pathways to Heartland FC’s senior team, feeder team, or U19 side,” he added.

He praised the communities for their cooperation and charged them to maintain unity as the competition progresses, assuring that his office remains committed to nurturing the identified talents.

The tournament, structured in a knockout format, features teams drawn from all autonomous communities in Orlu LGA.
Organizers confirmed that Match Day 2 will see Orlu Community take on Umueze Community on Sunday, November 16, at 4pm, at the same venue.

Abakaliki FC has suspended its head coach, Mr. Ifeanyi Onyedika, following the club’s 1–1 home draw against Rovers FC in their opening fixture of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League season.

The announcement was made shortly after the match by the Club Chairman, Senator Obinna Ogba, who described the decision as necessary to restore discipline and reposition the team for better performance.

Senator Ogba disclosed that the assistant coach, popularly known as Star Plus Aniesta, has been directed to immediately assume full technical responsibilities.

He assured fans that the management remains committed to strengthening the squad and implementing measures aimed at achieving improved results in subsequent matches.

Also reacting to the disappointing draw, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Richard Ugo-Idike, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the performance.

He fully supported the club’s decision, lamenting that such a result was unacceptable considering the support the team receives from the state government.

He criticized the suspended coach for failing to motivate the players, describing his touchline conduct as passive.

Despite his criticism of the coaching approach, the commissioner commended the players for their effort, noting that they lacked proper motivation and technical guidance.

He warned that any player or official who fails to take the club’s ambition seriously will not be tolerated as the season progresses.

Reacting to his new role, Star Plus Aniesta said he received the suspension of Coach Onyedika with mixed feelings, acknowledging him as a father figure.

However, he reaffirmed the team’s ambition of gaining promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, assuring supporters that Abakaliki FC remains on course to fulfil its promise to the people of Ebonyi State.