SWAN, Anambra FA Resolve Differences, Agree to Work Together

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter, and the Anambra State Football Association (AnSFA) have resolved their differences and agreed to work together in the interest of football development and sports advancement in the state.
The resolution was reached following a crucial closed-door meeting between the leadership of SWAN, led by its Chairman, Chimezie Anaso, and the Chairman of AnSFA, Chikelue Iloenyosi, in Awka on Friday, June 5, 2026.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Chimezie Anaso, Chairman of SWAN, Anambra Chapter, and Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman of AnSFA, on Sunday.
It will be recalled that both bodies had been involved in a face-off that lasted for more than two years.
However, stakeholders who participated in the reconciliation meeting, which lasted over two hours, resolved to bury the hatchet and play complementary roles in promoting football and sports journalism in Anambra State.
Those present at the meeting included Ikem Asika, Vice President of SWAN, South-East Zone; Chimezie Anaso, Chairman of SWAN, Anambra Chapter; Uche Ndeke, Secretary of SWAN, Anambra Chapter; Marvelous Ezenwa, Treasurer of SWAN, Anambra Chapter; Chikelue Iloenyosi (General), Chairman of AnSFA; and Dashu Chucks, one of his aides.
The parties also agreed to withdraw all petitions and complaints previously lodged against each other, including those reported to the Department of State Services (DSS).
Speaking on the development, Chimezie Anaso described the truce as a positive development and a major turning point for sports in Anambra State.
According to him, although both parties acted based on their convictions during the period of disagreement, there was no denying that the prolonged frosty relationship had resulted in collateral losses.
“This is a new dawn for football and sports in Anambra. It is important to note that this reconciliation happened organically. There was no mediator or facilitator; it happened in the fullness of time, and for that, we thank God.
“I also thank members of SWAN in Anambra and the national leadership under Isaiah Benjamin for their understanding, solidarity, and interventions throughout this period,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice President of SWAN, South-East Zone, Ikem Asika, expressed surprise at how the relationship between the two bodies deteriorated but said he was delighted that the misunderstanding had been resolved.
“Sports and the media are like Siamese twins. The misunderstanding was unnecessary, so I am happy that it is now behind us because football is an important sport that deserves all the attention and support it can get.
“Chikelue Iloenyosi is a great guy. We have come a long way together. There was nothing personal about the face-off. As the Bible says, unless two people agree, they cannot work together. Now that we have agreed, things can only get better,” he said.
On his part, Chikelue Iloenyosi recalled the cordial relationship he previously enjoyed with members of SWAN and wondered how it broke down.
He expressed satisfaction that the prolonged period of discord had finally come to an end and pledged to make SWAN an integral part of his administration going forward.
“I hold nothing against anyone. Everyone involved is a personal friend of mine, so I see no reason why we should not work together as a team. I am happy that we are back together. Let bygones be bygones,” he said.