The National Leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated its members, sports administrators, athletes, technical officials, and other stakeholders on the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, acknowledged that while Nigeria’s sports development journey has been challenging, the country has nonetheless recorded significant progress.

“The past decade and more in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem has been turbulent. However, I strongly believe in what the future holds. With the ongoing efforts under the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, there is renewed light for Nigerian sports to reclaim its lost glory,” President said.

He stressed that sustained focus and commitment are vital, adding that Nigeria is already beginning to regain attention on the global sporting stage.

The SWAN President also noted that the intensified push for Nigeria to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which would make the country the first African nation to achieve the feat, is a positive signal of better times ahead.

“The last time Nigeria hosted a major international sporting event was in 2003. The absence of such opportunities has cost us immensely in revenue, foreign exchange, and global visibility. Hosting the Commonwealth Games will mark a new dawn for Nigerian sports,” he stated.

Mr. Benjamin further expressed satisfaction with the ongoing elections into the National Sports Federations, commending the conduct so far and urging the leadership of the National Sports Commission to sustain the momentum.

He also called on contestants to demonstrate maturity and sportsmanship during and after the elections, while reaffirming SWAN’s commitment to playing its watchdog role in advancing the steady growth of Nigerian sports.