SWAN demands better welfare and preparation for athletes, more investment in grassroots sports
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called for a comprehensive national strategy to improve athletes’ welfare and preparation, revive grassroots sports and rehabilitate the country’s deteriorating sports infrastructure.
The demands formed part of resolutions reached at SWAN’s 2026 Triennial National Delegates Congress in Kaduna, where delegates examined the state of Nigerian sports and measures required to reposition the sector.
The association called on the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission (NSC) and relevant agencies, to institutionalise sustainable welfare mechanisms for athletes and coaches representing Nigeria.
SWAN urged authorities to ensure the “prompt payment of approved allowances, bonuses and incentives,” alongside adequate insurance, medical care, training facilities and post-career support.
The Congress stressed that “athletes who represent Nigeria must be treated as professionals whose welfare and dignity deserve priority.”
It also called for greater investment in sports science, sports medicine, coaching development and modern training systems to improve athlete preparation and performance.
On grassroots development, SWAN demanded a renewed national strategy with increased investment in schools, communities and local sporting structures.
The association urged the NSC, state governments and sports federations to strengthen talent identification and establish clear pathways from grassroots competition to elite sport.
It also encouraged greater private-sector participation through structured partnerships and incentives, stressing that sustainable grassroots investment was essential to developing the next generation of Nigerian athletes.
On sports infrastructure, the Congress called for “a comprehensive audit, rehabilitation and effective utilisation of Nigeria’s sports facilities.”
SWAN urged governments at all levels to prioritise maintenance and modernisation rather than concentrating exclusively on the construction of new facilities.
The association also encouraged public-private partnerships in the development and management of sports infrastructure, noting that modern, accessible and properly maintained facilities were essential to athlete development, hosting major competitions and the growth of sports tourism.
SWAN maintained that investment in athlete welfare, grassroots development and infrastructure must be treated as interconnected components of a sustainable sports development strategy.
It said Nigeria could only consistently compete at the highest international level if athletes were properly supported, young talents were systematically developed and the country’s sporting facilities were maintained to modern standards.
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