NPL Coach Accused of Verbally Assaulting Reporter After Match

Eugene Agagbe, who serves as the Head Coach for Barau FC, confronted reporter Aminu Halilu with verbal insults during a post-match press conference following their 1-0 win against Ikorodu City at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

As the conference escalated into chaos, other journalists present attempted to mediate and calm the coach down.

The confrontation began when Halilu inquired about perceived technical flaws in Barau FC's lineup and how Agagbe intended to remedy these issues to enhance the team for the ongoing season.

Agagbe, clearly displeased by the question, dismissed it outright, claiming it undermined his coaching efforts.

He stated, “That is your own opinion as a press man. There is nothing like technical lapses. I made substitutions and they positively influenced the game. So what are you talking about technical lapses? It seems you are not recognizing the efforts being made. I want to clarify that some questions asked are inappropriate.”

Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, Agagbe expressed his refusal to simmer down, responding, “I cannot calm down. When you ask me questions, you sound like Barau FC is not your team; such questions are unacceptable.”

He further stated, “I will refrain from answering your questions. If you are the only one sending queries, I will stop attending these conferences.”

Standing up angrily, Agagbe demanded, “What kind of question is that? I will stop coming here. A team has secured a victory and three points, yet you question technical flaws. This is unacceptable.”

Initially restrained from confronting Halilu, several individuals intervened to prevent further escalation, as the reporter reminded the coach that this was not the first instance of his aggressive behavior towards journalists.

The Freedom Radio, Kano Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has condemned the incident of alleged harassment.

In a statement, Chairman Muzammil Ibrahim Yakasai characterized the attack on Halilu as an affront to organized journalism and to the ethical standards upheld by professional institutions.

The statement emphasized, “Journalists are not adversaries; they are stakeholders. Inquiring about performance metrics falls within the purview of their responsibilities. Responding with hostility or intimidation breaches professional protocols and undermines democratic principles. Passion does not excuse misconduct.”