The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Sokoto State chapter, has decried the state’s absence from recent national sporting competitions, warning that it poses a serious threat to talent development and overall sports growth.
The concern was raised in a communiqué issued on Sunday, jointly signed by the state SWAN Chairman, Umar Kware, and Secretary, Adeniyi Olugbemi, following the association’s general meeting held on March 3, 2026.
SWAN, however, applauded the Sokoto State Government for boosting sports funding, particularly the approval for the renovation and upgrade of the Giginya Memorial Stadium, which it described as a significant step toward improving sports infrastructure.
The association also commended the government for consistently covering registration and officiating fees for football clubs through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, noting that the support has helped sustain grassroots football.
Despite these gains, SWAN expressed “serious concern” over Sokoto’s non-participation in major events such as the U-12 and U-15 National Handball Championship and the 3rd National Para-Games.
“This development is a setback for the state, especially in handball where Sokoto has strong potential,” the communiqué noted.
To address the situation, SWAN urged the Sokoto State Sports Council to intensify preparations for upcoming competitions, including the National Intermediate Games and the National Youth Games.
It also called for the immediate reconstitution of sports association boards, stressing the need for capable and energetic individuals to drive sports development in the state.
On football, SWAN reviewed the performance of Sokoto United FC in the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League season, where the team managed 18 points from 14 matches.
The body advised the club to restructure its technical crew and playing squad to boost its chances of gaining promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
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