SWAN and ANSFA End Rift, agree to work together for the sports development of Anambra

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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter and Anambra State Football Association (AnSFA) have resolved their differences and agreed to work together in the interest of football and sports in general in the State.

The two bodies adopted the resolution after a crucial exclusive meeting between the leadership of SWAN led by Chimezie Anaso, its President and Chikelue Iloenyosi, the President of AnSFA in Awka on 5, 2026

We remind you that the two associations had a discussion that lasted over two years.

But the stakeholders, who emerged from a reconciliation meeting that lasted more than two hours, decided to bury the hatchet and play a complementary role with each other for the success of football and sports press in Anambra.

Present at the meeting were Ikem Asika, Vice President of SWAN, South East Zone, Chimezie Anaso, President of SWAN in Anambra, Uche Ndeke, Secretary of SWAN in Anambra, Marvelous Ezenwa, Treasurer of SWAN and Chikelue Iloenyosi (General), President of AnSFA with Dashu Chucks one of his aides.

The parties also agreed to withdraw each other’s cases wherever they were reported, including to the Directorate of State Services.

Speaking on the development, Chimezie Anaso said the truce is a positive omen and a turning point for sports in Anambra.

He said that while there was no alternative to the way the parties reacted to the impasse at the time, there was no doubt there were collateral losses from the frosty relationship.

“This is a new dawn for football and sports in Anambra, it is important to note that it happened organically, there was no mediator, no facilitator, it happened in due time, so we thank God.

“I thank the SWAN members in Anambra and the national leadership under Isaiah Benjamin for their understanding, solidarity and intervention during this period,” he said.

South East Zone Vice President Asika, who expressed surprise at how things went wrong, said she was happy that everything is now in the past.

“Sport and media are like Siamese twins, the misunderstanding was not necessary, so I am happy that we are back because football is an important sport that deserves all the attention it can get.

“Chikelue Iloenyosi is a good guy, we have come a long way, there was nothing personal in the fight, as the Bible will say, unless the two agree, they cannot work together, so now that we agree, it can only be better,” he said.

For his part, Chikelue recalled the good personal relationship he had with each SWAN member and wondered how it fell apart.

He said he was satisfied that the long days of confrontation had come to an end and vowed to make SWAN an integral part of his administration going forward.

“I have nothing against anyone, everyone is personal friends to me so I don’t know why we shouldn’t work as a team, I’m happy we’re back, let’s leave the past,” he said.