NPFL 2025/26: Understanding media accreditation and Swan’s place in the 3SC opening game

The 2025/26 NPFL season was launched in Ibadan with Shooting Stars Sports Club that welcomed Bayelsa United at the Lekan Salami stadium. Beyond football itself, one of the points of conversation that arose was the issue of media accreditation, which generated conversations between journalists and interested parties alike.

It is important to appreciate the passion and dedication of the Oyo state chapter of the Association of Sports Writers of Nigeria (Swan). For years, Oyo Swan has played a vital role to ensure that sports, particularly football, receive quality coverage in the state and throughout the country. Its members are some of the most consistent voices to tell the story of Shooting Stars and positively project Nigerian football. On the other hand, the Shooting Stars media department deserves praise for its efforts in the management of an already demanding complex process. The operations of the day, especially the openers of the season, come with enormous pressure, logistics, security and coordination, everything that happens at the same time. That the game continued without problems, with presence in the media throughout the country, it speaks of the hard work behind the scene.

That said, accreditation in football has always been the responsibility of the host club. This is practice in all parts of the world, guided by the League and security protocols. Associations such as Swan play an equally important role that they do not take care of the process, but to advocate its members to guarantee fair representation and access without problems. When both parties work together in this way, the system is stronger, more inclusive and, ultimately, beneficial for the coverage of the game.

Where there were omissions or misunderstandings, these should not be seen as a deliberate margin but as the type of administrative failures that can occur in rapid rhythm environments. What matters most is that the lessons are taken and communication lines are strengthened. A more open channel between Swan, independent journalists and the 3SC media team will undoubtedly avoid future concerns and help ensure that each accredited journalist, regardless of affiliation, can do their job without obstacles.

At the end of the day, all, whether members of Swan, independent journalists or the media officers of the club, share the same goal: to promote fleeting stars, NPFL and Nigerian football in the best possible light. With mutual respect and cooperation, there is no doubt that the club and the media community can continue to increase the standards of professionalism and coverage for the benefit of fans and the game we all love.

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