The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, has reaffirmed its decision to boycott all matches involving Kun Khalifat FC, insisting that the boycott remains in force until the club takes concrete steps to guarantee the safety, dignity, respect and professional rights of sports journalists covering its matches.
Imo SWAN made this decision during an emergency congress held on Monday the 14th of September at Dan Anyiam stadium Owerri . The position follows reactions to the Association’s earlier press release, particularly a purported narrative circulating on some online platforms suggesting that only the Chairman of Imo SWAN, Mr Cosmos Chukwuemeka, was denied access to the Dan Anyiam Stadium during Kun Khalifat FC’s NPFL fixture against Barau FC on September 6, 2026.
For the avoidance of doubt, that narrative is false and misleading.
The Association hereby maintains that the incident involving its Chairman was not an isolated occurrence. Several members of Imo SWAN have, on different occasions, experienced denial of access, intimidation, confrontation and embarrassing treatment from personnel attached to Kun Khalifat FC.
These repeated incidents have compelled the Association to conclude that what could have been dismissed as isolated misunderstandings has developed into a disturbing and unacceptable pattern.
For record purposes, On May 24, 2026, during the NPFL fixture between Kun Khalifat FC and Wikki Tourists at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Imo SWAN member Kelvin Anyanwu was prevented from gaining access to the stadium to perform his legitimate professional duties, despite identifying himself with his SWAN identification card.
Even after he reportedly raised the matter with the club’s owner, and while other Heartland staff were permitted entry, the journalist remained denied access despite the heavy downpour that day.
On the same May 24, 2026, another member, Uchechukwu Olebara, was subjected to an embarrassing confrontation with Kun Khalifat FC security personnel while attempting to enter the stadium for the same fixture.
Despite presenting his identification card, he was denied entry while others were allowed through. When he questioned the decision, the situation became confrontational, with threats issued against him if he refused to leave the entrance.
It took the intervention of the Imo SWAN Chairman to de-escalate the situation, with the Chairman appealing to the journalist not to allow the matter to escalate.
Similarly, on February 8, 2026, during Kun Khalifat FC’s fixture against Shooting Stars FC, SWAN member Precious Iheanacho, was denied access despite presenting identification.
They were made to wait for an extended period before the intervention of the club owner and its media officer eventually facilitated their entry.
Another member, Amarachi Adimuko, has also experienced denial of access by club security personnel on a matchday with heavy downpour despite identifying herself as a member of the Association.
The incidents continued on September 6, 2026, during Kun Khalifat FC’s NPFL fixture against Barau FC. A member of Imo SWAN by name Anthony Ahize was also denied access and was turned back before the intervention of an Imo FA official who eventually secured his entry.
Shortly afterwards, Kingsley Anosike (Kpac) was also denied entry until the intervention of the Imo FA official, before he was granted entrance.
Other members, including Kachi Oguguo and Emmanuel Mbah, have also experienced what the Association considers embarrassing treatment at the entrance to Kun Khalifat FC matches.
Imo SWAN considers these repeated incidents deeply troubling.
Sports journalists are not intruders at football matches. They are professionals performing a legitimate responsibility on behalf of the public and their respective media organisations.
The Association therefore finds it unacceptable for accredited journalists to repeatedly face unnecessary embarrassment, intimidation or arbitrary denial of access while attempting to cover football matches.
We respect the right of football clubs to maintain security and order within their match venues. However, security protocols must not become a tool for humiliating or intimidating members of the fourth estate.
Imo SWAN believes in dialogue, mutual respect and responsible journalism. We have no interest in creating unnecessary conflict with Kun Khalifat FC or any football stakeholder. However, respect must be mutual.
In view of the repeated incidents and what the Association considers a disturbing pattern of treatment of its members, Imo SWAN hereby reaffirms that its boycott of all Kun Khalifat FC matches remains in force until further notice.
The Association will not compromise the safety, dignity, respect or professional integrity of its members for the sake of covering a football match.
” We demand professional access for accredited sports journalists.”
Until these concerns are satisfactorily addressed and credible assurances are given regarding the treatment of journalists covering Kun Khalifat FC matches, the boycott remains in force.
Imo SWAN remains committed to responsible sports journalism and constructive engagement with all stakeholders in the development of football in Imo State.