Transparency at Risk? Abia SWAN Demands Probe into Enyimba vs. Ikorodu City Match Officials

 

​The integrity of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is under scrutiny following a heated confrontation between sports journalists and match officials in Aba. On February 16, 2026, the Abia State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) issued a formal demand to the NPFL and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to investigate the conduct of the Match Commissioner, Saidu Yakubu Aliyu, and his team. The controversy stems from the Matchday 26 fixture where league leaders Ikorodu City secured a historic 1-0 victory over Enyimba International, a game that was overshadowed by what SWAN describes as a "brazen display of unbridled power."

​The Incident: Why Journalists Were Barred

​The match, held at the Enyimba International Stadium, was officially designated to be played behind closed doors. This was a disciplinary measure following previous security lapses during Enyimba’s Matchday 21 fixture against Barau FC. However, standard global football regulations stipulate that "behind closed doors" sanctions apply to fans, not accredited members of the press.

​According to Abia SWAN Chairman, Kingsley Okwun, and Secretary, Bethel Kalu, numerous journalists—some of whom traveled from across the country—were denied entry. Despite presenting valid identification cards, officials allegedly claimed that no one, including the media, was permitted inside. This blockade resulted in professional sports writers being stranded outside the gates for the duration of the 90-minute encounter.

​"Journalists Are Not Spare Tyres": SWAN’s Strong Rebuttal

​In a strongly worded statement, Abia SWAN condemned the actions of Saidu Yakubu Aliyu, labeling the incident an "ugly dance of disrespect and shame." The association emphasized that journalists play a critical role in maintaining the transparency of the league, acting as the eyes and ears of the public—especially when fans are prohibited from attending.

​“Journalists are not spare tyres; hence they must be respected and allowed to do their jobs. The Match Commissioner and all officials involved... must be cautioned and re-oriented about the sport they represent,” the statement read.

​The association warned that barring the media creates a vacuum of accountability, potentially allowing for match-fixing or other irregularities to occur without independent oversight. They argued that such actions bring the NPFL into disrepute at a time when the league is striving for international credibility.

​Context: Enyimba’s Turbulent 2026 Season

​The drama outside the stadium mirrors the turmoil inside the club. Enyimba, the nine-time NPFL champions, are currently enduring one of their most difficult seasons in recent history. The 1-0 loss to Ikorodu City, courtesy of a 29th-minute strike by Joseph Arumala, has left "The People's Elephant" languishing in 14th place on the table.

​Beyond the pitch, the club is facing multiple challenges:

• ​Disciplinary Sanctions: The club was recently fined ₦5 million (some reports suggest ₦6 million) and ordered to play three home matches behind closed doors due to supporter misconduct and the harassment of officials in January 2026.
• ​Financial Scrutiny: The Abia State government is currently probing the club's management over the disappearance of a $1 million prize from the African Football League.
• ​Player Unrest: Reports of unpaid allowances have led to protests and a breakdown in communication between the players and the technical crew.

​The Road to Reform: What Happens Next?

​Abia SWAN has called on the Davidson Owumi-led NPFL management to act swiftly. The association is demanding a formal re-orientation of match officials regarding the rights of the media. Furthermore, they have urged the management of Enyimba FC to ensure that such "ugly treatment" does not repeat in future home matches.

​As Ikorodu City celebrates its position at the summit of the table, the focus remains on the NFF and NPFL to provide a clear explanation for the lockout. For the Nigerian league to thrive, the relationship between match officials and the press must be one of mutual respect rather than hostility.