Sports

Family of Late Kola Omoniyi Expresses Gratitude to Lagos SWAN, Appeals for Compensation From Afro Sport

Published

9 months ago

January 9, 2025

Editor

The family of the late Kolawole Aderemi Omoniyi, a distinguished Nigerian cameraman, has extended their heartfelt appreciation to the Lagos Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and the wider sports community for their steadfast support following their tragic loss.

Kolawole Omoniyi, who was on official duty covering an AFCON qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, tragically lost his life in an attack by a suspected IPOB group in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria.

Despite a rapid response by a Nigerian Army rescue team, triggered by a Save Our Soul (SOS) request from Lagos SWAN to the Defence Headquarters and other security agencies, Omoniyi succumbed to his injuries.

In the wake of this devastating incident, Lagos SWAN, under the leadership of Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, provided invaluable support to the Omoniyi family during the funeral, including a generous donation to help cover funeral expenses and assistance in immortalizing the late cameraman through the construction of a befitting tomb. The family expressed profound gratitude for these acts of kindness.

In a letter signed by Babajide Adisa Omoniyi, on behalf of the family, they stated:

“The family of Late Kolawole Aderemi Omoniyi wishes to express our deepest thanks to the entire Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, for your love, prayers, and unwavering support during this incredibly difficult time. We are deeply touched by your generosity and the care you’ve shown our family.”

“Your donation has alleviated a great burden, and we are sincerely grateful for the financial assistance that has helped us during this time of grief. Your kind words of condolence have also been a source of great comfort to us as we mourn the loss of our beloved father.”

“We also wish to extend our thanks to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their prompt response and active role both during and after the tragic incident.”*

The Omoniyi family also expressed their appreciation to the Lagos SWAN for honoring their late father by attending the funeral service, a gesture that provided great solace during this painful time.

Family Appeals for Compensation from Afro Sport

The family has, however, appealed to Afro Sport, the organization that contracted Kolawole Omoniyi and his team for the coverage of the AFCON match, to provide compensation, particularly to his widow. While Afro Sport offered a sum of N1 million for burial arrangements, the family believes that a more substantial compensation is deserved, given the circumstances of Omoniyi’s tragic death.

“We kindly request that Afro Sport consider our plea and provide the necessary support to help us navigate this difficult time,” said Babajide Adisa Omoniyi, on behalf of the family.

Meanwhile, Lagos SWAN has also expressed its deep appreciation to all those involved in recovering and exhuming Kolawole Omoniyi’s body from the shallow grave and returning him to his family.

According to the chairman of Lagos SWAN, Ambassador Oladunni, special appreciation goes to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, GOC 82 Division headed by Maj. Gen. H.T. Dada who authorized and supervised the rescued mission, and Col. A.K. Muhammed (Commander 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Anambra, who led the rescued mission. Brig. Gen. U.A. Lawal, Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, Imo State, who also supported the operations with armoured personnel carriers and other equipment and the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State.

Sports

SWAN Orders Nationwide Boycott Of NFF Activities

Published

5 hours ago

September 24, 2025

Editor

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, has announced a nationwide boycott of all activities related to the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, including the Federation’s upcoming Annual General Assembly, AGA, scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The directive, issued on Wednesday by the leadership of the association, follows what SWAN described as the NFF’s “deliberate and persistent exclusion” of the Association from the Congress, the Federation’s highest decision-making body.

In a statement jointly signed by the SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and the Secretary-General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, the Association condemned the NFF’s actions as “unacceptable, retrogressive, and an affront to the sporting media’s role in national football development.”

“The media is a critical tripod in the growth of sports globally. SWAN, as the professional body coordinating sports journalism in Nigeria, has consistently engaged with the NFF on the need to restore our rightful place in its Congress. Yet, while the Federation claims to be expanding its Congress, it continues to sideline us—a move that is both short-sighted and detrimental to Nigerian football,” the statement read.

SWAN accused the NFF leadership of adopting a divisive approach to football administration, warning that the continued decline in the nation’s football fortunes is a reflection of ongoing maladministration.

“Despite enormous financial and institutional support from the Federal Government, state governments, and private sponsors, Nigeria’s football continues to nosedive.

“It is time to put a decisive end to this dangerous trend. Nigeria cannot afford to watch its most cherished sport deteriorate under avoidable circumstances,” the statement read.

Effective immediately, all SWAN members across the country are instructed to cease coverage and promotion of any NFF-related activity.

“A task force will be set up to ensure strict enforcement of this directive. Simultaneously, the Association will begin a thorough investigation and public exposure of the maladministration and backward practices now synonymous with the Federation’s operations practices that have contributed to Nigeria’s repeated World Cup qualification failures,” the statement added.

SWAN reaffirmed its position as a critical stakeholder in Nigerian football and vowed to resist any attempt to marginalize the sporting media.

“The exclusion of SWAN from the NFF Congress is no longer acceptable and will not be tolerated. We stand resolute in defending the integrity and rightful role of the sporting media in the Nigerian football ecosystem,” the statement concluded.

Sports

I Don’t Hate Ronaldo, Messi Is A Better Player – Wayne Rooney

Published

5 hours ago

September 24, 2025

Editor

Former England striker, Wayne Rooney, has insisted he does not hate Al Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, he insisted that Lionel Messi is a better footballer.

Rooney and Ronaldo were at United together between 2004 and 2009, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League.

“I absolutely love Messi, love watching him play and that was the only reason because I think Messi had a little bit more in terms of how he played and taking players on and whatever,” Rooney said.

“Ronaldo’s a killer and people think because I’ve said Messi is better than Ronaldo, I don’t like him or speak down on him.”

Rooney played in the United team that lost two Champions League finals against Messi’s Barcelona in 2009 and 2011.

Sports

Theo Walcott Changes EPL Prediction, Names Team To Win UCL This Season

Published

5 hours ago

September 24, 2025

Editor

Former Arsenal winger, Theo Walcott, has changed his prediction for the top four of the Premier League this season.

The England international revised his top-four prediction following his old club’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.

He is now backing Arsenal to finish second in the table.

Earlier in the season, the former England man had predicted the Gunners would finish third behind Liverpool and Manchester City.

Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday with Gabriel Martinelli’s late equaliser, cancelling out Erling Haaland’s first half-half effort.

The draw meant that Mikel Arteta is now the first-ever manager to escape defeat in five successive matches against Man City boss, Pep Guardiola.

Liverpool on the other hand, are now five points clear atop the table after beating Everton 2-1 in a hard-fought Merseyside derby.

“I had Arsenal third but that was before the transfer window stuff, wasn’t it?” Walcott told It’s Called Soccer.

Asked if he would now put Arsenal as his title favourites, Walcott replied: “No, I’d put them second. They’re creeping up!

“They’re more equipped to win the Champions League. That’s how I see it.”

The Gunners face Newcastle United in the next game in the Premier League and will hope to get back to winning ways.