Journalists’ Safety: Imo SWAN Blacks Out Kun Khalifat FC

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, has declared a total and indefinite media boycott of Kun Khalifat FC, suspending publicity, promotion and coverage of the club over the alleged denial of access to accredited journalists and reported threats to their safety.

The decision was unanimously reached at the association’s Congress held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, following events surrounding Kun Khalifat FC’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday Two encounter with Barau FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Sunday, September 6.

According to the Congress, accredited sports journalists who arrived at the stadium to discharge their professional duties were denied access to the venue, allegedly on the directive of the club.

The association said its concern was heightened by a response attributed to the Chairman of the Imo State Football Association, Barrister Ifeanyi Dike, who reportedly stated that the restriction was at the instance of the owner of Kun Khalifat FC.

Congress further stated that Dike was reported to have said that the safety of a journalist attempting to gain access to the press stand could not be guaranteed.

It also alleged that an official of Kun Khalifat FC issued a threat during the incident, a development the association described as unacceptable and capable of endangering journalists legitimately carrying out their professional duties.

Imo SWAN maintained that the safety of journalists and other legitimate stakeholders must be guaranteed at every officially sanctioned football match, stressing that no journalist should face intimidation, harassment or threats while carrying out lawful duties.

The association also placed responsibility on the Imo State Football Association, as the body overseeing football administration in the state, to ensure adequate security, accreditation and access arrangements at matches within its jurisdiction.

Consequently, Congress directed all members of Imo SWAN to suspend publicity, promotion, media coverage and other media activities involving Kun Khalifat FC until further notice.

The association also called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and take appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence.

Imo SWAN maintained that while it remains committed to the promotion and development of sports in the state, such commitment cannot come at the expense of the dignity, professional rights and safety of its members.

The boycott will remain in force until the concerns raised by the Congress are satisfactorily addressed.