The chief coach of Barau Football Club, Eugene Agagbe, allegedly verbally assaulted Freedom Radio reporter Aminu Halilu Tudun Wada on Saturday during the post-match press conference of the NPFL Match Day 26 clash against Kum Khalifa FC at Sani Abacha Stadium. Barau FC won the game 1-0.
According to post-match visuals obtained by Sahel Sports News, Agagbe became visibly angry over questions posed by the reporter. When asked why his players frequently wasted clear goal-scoring opportunities, the coach reportedly described the question as provocative and vexatious.
“You are a fool,” Agagbe allegedly shouted at the reporter.
When Tudun Wada tried to clarify that the question concerned Barau FC’s failure to convert glaring chances, the coach allegedly responded angrily, saying, “What do you know about technical lapses?”
He reportedly added, “It is your opinion. Stop using such words. Most of the time, the questions asked are not supposed to be asked.”
When urged to calm down, Agagbe was said to have replied, “I cannot cool down. When you are asking me questions, you behave as if Barau FC is not your team. You don’t ask me questions like that.”
The coach later threatened to stop answering questions, stating, “I will stop answering your questions. If you are the only person to send questions to me, I will stop.” Rising from his seat, he allegedly continued, “What kind of question is that? I will stop coming here. A team has won its match, got the three points, and you are talking of technical lapses. I came here before the second stanza of the season. You are a fool.”
Efforts by sports writers, club officials, and backroom staff reportedly prevented Agagbe from attempting a physical confrontation with the reporter.
Following the incident, Tudun Wada filed a formal complaint with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano chapter, accusing Agagbe of unprofessional and habitual unruly behaviour during Barau FC post-match press conferences. The SWAN Kano chapter is yet to issue an official comment, while Barau FC has not responded to inquiries.
The episode has drawn widespread attention on social media, with videos circulating showing the coach ranting angrily over the reporter’s question. A source, who spoke to Kano Times on condition of anonymity, said, “Eugene Agagbe is very arrogant and lacks cordial relations with the officials of the club.”
It is recalled that in October 2024, Lobi Stars FC relieved Coach Eugene Agagbe of his position following a review of his performance.
In a statement signed by Uja Emmanuel, Head of Media of the club, it was noted that the decision followed Agagbe’s failure to meet a five-match win target, securing only one victory while losing three matches. “The management decided to relieve him after careful consideration of his record,” the statement added.
