The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State Chapter, has strongly condemned a report published by an online blog, Popular News, titled “Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Shut Against Stephen Keshi,” describing it as misleading, sensational and lacking in factual balance.
In a statement issued on Sunday, December 21, 2025, and signed by its Secretary, Comrade Idahosa Moses, on behalf of the Association, Edo SWAN categorically dissociated itself from the publication, stressing that it was neither consulted nor involved in the framing of the narrative credited to the publisher, Mr. Isaac Olamikan.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to accuracy, fairness and responsible journalism, noting that the publication fell short of the ethical standards and core values of the Sports journalism profession, particularly in the reportage of sensitive sports-related issues involving public institutions and officials.
While acknowledging the concerns raised by the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Stephen Keshi Football and Vocational Training Centre (SKFTVC), Mr. Austin Popo, over the challenges encountered in securing the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for this year’s Stephen Keshi Memorial National Under-17 Soccer Tournament, Comrade Idahosa cautioned against reporting such matters in a manner that imputes motives or assigns blame without proper verification.
He specifically defended the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, describing him as a seasoned professional with a proven record of integrity and unwavering commitment to sports development in Edo State.
The Association described as unfair and unsubstantiated any insinuation that Hon. Enabulele or the Sports Commission deliberately acted to undermine the memory and enduring legacy of the late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, a revered national football icon.
SWAN therefore warned the publisher of Popular News to desist from unverified and inflammatory publications capable of misleading the public and damaging reputations, and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the report alongside an unreserved apology to Hon. Enabulele.
The Association also tendered a formal apology to the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, who is also a Patron of Edo SWAN, for any embarrassment arising from the publication.
It reiterated its resolve to honour the legacy of Stephen Keshi through professionalism, constructive engagement and strict adherence to journalistic ethics, warning that any member found culpable of professional misconduct would face decisive sanctions in line with the Association’s statutes.
