The Sports writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN Rivers State Chapter) will make a long-awaited return to action this Sunday when they feature in an eight-team birthday football tournament organised by Valentino Swiss Hotel and Apartments to celebrate the birthday of its Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Raymond Lagundoye.
The competition, which kicks off at 12 noon at Plot 220 G.U. Ake Road, GRA Phase 8, Port Harcourt, will be played in a 5-a-side format, with each team registering 10 players.
SWAN Rivers Eyes Fresh Start in Birthday Tournament
Participants are expected to be 40 years and above, while active league players have been ruled out to ensure a level playing field.
For SWAN Rivers, the invitation presents more than just another football outing. It offers the sports journalists an opportunity to return to the pitch and chase their first victory in over three years.
The Rivers chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria last featured in a competitive game on March 26, 2025, when they faced Trans Amadi Professionals (TAP) during the association’s one-year anniversary celebration.
Despite an entertaining contest, SWAN Rivers fell to a 2-0 defeat.
Before that encounter, the journalists earned a 1-1 draw against the Rivers State Football Referees’ Council in December 2023, ending a losing streak that began with a 3-1 defeat to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Those results mean SWAN Rivers will head into Sunday’s competition determined to rewrite their recent football story.
Eight Teams Battle for Glory as Organisers Promise Rewards
The birthday tournament will feature eight invited teams, all competing for honours in what promises to be an exciting afternoon of football.
Organisers have also announced that participating teams will be treated to food and drinks, while prizes will be presented after the competition to reward outstanding performances.
With experienced players taking centre stage and active league footballers excluded, the tournament is expected to provide an entertaining blend of friendly rivalry and competitive football.
As the sports journalists prepares to lace up their boots once again, attention will be on whether they can finally return back to winning ways in the birthday tournament.