As the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) prepares to mark its 60th anniversary, all eyes will be on the Rivers State Chapter (SWAN Rivers) as they seek a long-awaited breakthrough in a novelty match, this time against Veterans AllStars of Port Harcourt.
The commemorative fixture, set for Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, Port Harcourt (8am tentative), forms part of activities marking SWAN @60, Footballrover reports.
SWAN Rivers seek redemption in Port Harcourt clash
Despite their passion for the game, SWAN Rivers are still chasing their first victory in recent exhibition outings.
Their last novelty match ended in a 2–0 defeat to Trans Amadi Professionals (TAP) FC.
Before that, the sports journalists battled to a 1–1 draw against the Rivers State Football Referees’ Council in December 2023—a result that only managed to halt a losing streak triggered by a 3–1 loss to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The upcoming clash against Veterans AllStars now carries deeper meaning. It is no longer a ceremonial game.
It is a test of pride, mentality, and identity for the writers—an opportunity to restore belief and finally end a frustrating three-match winless run marked by two defeats and one draw.
Veterans AllStars prepare for a spirited novelty match battle
Their opponents, Veterans AllStars, represent familiar territory—experienced former players and football men who understand how to control the tempo of an exhibition game.
With SWAN’s recent struggles, this match has become a symbolic challenge, one that will demand discipline, fitness, and better finishing from the journalists.
In their last outing versus TAP FC, SWAN Rivers showed fight and created chances, missing two one-on-one opportunities in a balanced first half.
But fatigue became their undoing. A second-half own goal and another late strike sealed their fate, despite impressive goalkeeping moments.
Now, with fresh motivation and the emotional lift of the SWAN @ 60 celebrations, the team will be desperate to flip the narrative.
After the novelty match, attention will shift to the group’s thanksgiving service on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at New Jubilee Baptist Church, Eneka Link Road, Port Harcourt.
According to the Welfare Secretary and Thanksgiving Chairperson, Ambassador (Mrs) Didi Phins Ojogwu (SPORTS MAMA), members are encouraged to attend with their “biros, phones, cameras and midgets” as they celebrate six decades of SWAN’s impact in Nigeria.
For now, however, the spotlight remains on Borikiri, and the question is simple:
Can SWAN Rivers finally rise, break their cycle of near-misses, and script a victory that matches the occasion?
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