How NPL coach threatened reporter during post match conference

Head Coach of Barau FC, Eugene Agagbe, threatened to assault a reporter, Aminu Halilu, during a post-match press interaction following his team’s 1-0 victory over Ikorodu City at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

In a video circulating on social media, the visibly angry coach was heard insulting the reporter as the session turned rowdy, with other reporters attempting to calm him down.

Trouble started when Halilu asked about what he described as technical lapses in Barau FC’s line-up, and how the coach planned to address them to build a stronger squad for the season.

Agagbe rejected the question and accused the journalist of undermining his efforts.

He said, “That is your own opinion as a press man. There is nothing like technical lapses. I substituted and the substitution I made came in and won the game. So what are you talking about technical lapses? When you make a change and that change is positive, stop using such words. Okay. It is as if you are not appreciating the efforts. Let me put it on record that some questions asked are not supposed to be asked.”

The reporter could be heard telling the coach that that was not the first time he had harassed journalists.

The coach added, “The last time you asked me a question. It was because of you I stopped coming here.”

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

A statement by the Chapel Chairman, Muzammil Ibrahim Yakasai, on Monday said the attack on Halilu is an attack on organized journalism and the professional institutions that uphold ethics, accountability, and press freedom.

The statement reads, ‘’Journalists are not enemies; they are stakeholders. Asking legitimate questions about performance is part of the job description. Responding with abuse or intimidation is a clear violation of professional conduct and an affront to democratic values. Passion is not a license for misconduct.’’