The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra State Chapter, and the Anambra State Football Association (AnSFA) have officially resolved their two-year-old feud.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the leadership of SWAN led by Chimezie Anaso, its chairman and Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman, AnSFA in Awka on Monday.

The two bodies have had a faceoff that lasted for over two years before now.

The parties agreed to withdraw cases against each other wherever it was reported, including the Directorate of State Services (DSS).

Speaking on the development, Anaso said the truce was a positive sign and a turning point for sports in the state.

He said though there was no alternative to how the parties reacted to the impasse at the time, there was no doubt that there were collateral losses due to 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 the fullness of time, so, we thank God.

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

The Vice President South East Zone, Ikem Asika, who expressed surprise as to how things went awry, said he was happy that everything was now in the past.

“Sports 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.

“We have come a long way; there was nothing personal in the faceoff, like the Bible will say, unless the two agree, they cannot work together, so now that we have agreed, it can only be better,” he said.

On his part, Iloenyosi recalled the smooth personal relationship he enjoyed with each member of SWAN and wondered how it collapsed.

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

“I hold nothing against anybody; everyone is a personal friend to me, so I do not know why we should not work as a team. I am happy that we are back; let bygones be bygones,” he said.

Team Nigeria wins one silver and two bronze, concluding its competition at the ongoing Ulaanbaatar 2026 United World Wrestling (UWW) 3rd Ranking Series on Saturday in Mongolia

Hannah Ojo and Esther Kolawole won silver and bronze in their categories.

Ojo and Kolawole have joined Christianah Ogunsanya in securing medals at the ongoing competition.

The championship allows athletes to earn crucial seeding points for upcoming global championships.

Nigeria’s Ojo put up a 10-0 superlative display against Mongolian Tuvshinjargal Tarav to set up a semi-final clash with Priya of India, who she later beat 5-1.

However, the reigning African champion’s impressive run came to an end, losing to Kajal of India 0-8 in the final to settle for silver.

Earlier, Kolawole won a bronze medal for Nigeria after she overwhelmed Huan Yang of China 10-0.

Kolawole made a statement of intent in her run to the bronze medal match, upsetting Russian world number one, Amina Tandelova 6-0.

She lost narrowly to world silver medallist, Kim Ok-ju of North Korea 4-5.

Team Nigeria concluded the Ranking Series Tournament with one silver and two bronze, totalling three medals from four athletes that represented the country.

Four female wrestlers represented the country in different categories: Mercy Genesis 50kg; Tolulope Ogunsanya 53kg; Esther Kolawole 62kg and Hannah Ojo 76kg.

The third United World Wrestling (UWW) Ranking Series for female wrestling in Mongolia, tagged ‘Ulaanbaatar Open’, is held annually on the international calendar.

This is the third of four UWW Ranking Series tournaments, offering wrestlers crucial seeding points.

The championship, which started on June 4, ended on Saturday in Mongolia.

Seven-time Olympian Olufunke Oshonaike said Nigerian table tennis players are making steady progress in spite of the challenges they face in competing regularly at international tournaments.

Oshonaike said in an interview on Wednesday in Lagos.

She said many players are improving in both skill and experience, but limited financial support continues to affect their development and world rankings.

“The players are improving, and the girls are improving too, but the others are also making progress.

“What many people do not understand is that regular participation in international tournaments is necessary for athletes to improve, gain experience and move up on the rankings,” she said.

According to her, the biggest challenge facing many Nigerian players is not a lack of talent, but the high cost of participating in international competitions.

She explained that competing in World Table Tennis (WTT) events and other global tournaments requires significant financial resources, which many athletes struggle to secure.

“If you want to play in WTT competitions, it is very expensive. Sometimes athletes have to fund themselves to attend competitions.

“We are not like footballers who have a lot of money. Without regular competitions, it is difficult to improve rankings,” Oshonaike said.

The table tennis icon noted that in spite of these challenges, Nigerian players have continued to show determination and commitment in their pursuit of excellence.

She said many athletes often rely on personal funds to participate in continental championships and other important tournaments needed for their growth.

Throughout her career, she became known for her consistency, discipline and resilience, earning respect from players and administrators across the world.

The table tennis icon also disclosed plans to revive her table tennis clinic for young players, particularly girls, as part of efforts to contribute to the development of the sport in Nigeria.

Oshonaike said the initiative would, however, depend on securing adequate sponsorship and support from corporate organisations and other stakeholders.

“I really want to do something, especially for the girls, but I cannot do it alone.

“I just hope I can get sponsors to support me. By the grace of God, if not this year, by 2027, I will start a big clinic,” she said.

She noted that grassroots programmes and youth clinics remained important avenues for discovering and nurturing future champions.

The Olympian also commended Nigeria’s leading player, Quadri Aruna, for his efforts toward establishing a table tennis academy aimed at developing young talents and creating opportunities for the next generation of players.

For more than three decades, Oshonaike has remained one of the most respected figures in Nigerian sports.

She represented Nigeria at seven Olympic Games, making her one of Africa’s most accomplished table tennis players.

She said such initiatives are critical to sustaining Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s leading table tennis nations.