AN OPEN LETTER TO COACH EUGENE AGAGBE
To: Eugene Agagbe
Head Coach, Barau FC
By
Aminu Abba Kwaru
aminukwaru@gmail.com
Tuesday 17th February,2026
Sir,
I write this open letter in defense of professionalism, dignity, and the integrity of journalism, following your recent conduct toward a respected journalist, Aminu Halilu Tudunwada of Freedom Radio.
Let it be clearly stated who Aminu Tudunwada is, before anyone attempts to belittle his standing.
Aminu Tudunwada holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mass Communication. He has been actively practicing journalism since 2010 to date. From 2017 to 2021, he served as the Kano State Government House Correspondent, a position that requires competence, discipline, and credibility.
He also served as Assistant Secretary of the Sport Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter from 2020 to 2023, and is currently the Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Freedom Radio Chapel, Kano.
Beyond these leadership roles, he is a Producer and Presenter of Sports Programmes, a News Editor, and a News Caster a complete media professional whose career is built on training, experience, and merit.
Recently, it was reported that you insulted and disrespected him simply because he asked you a professional question after a match something that is globally recognized as part of a coach’s responsibility. Post-match interviews are not personal attacks; they are professional obligations.
Coach Agagbe, the public would genuinely like to know What is your professional track record in football coaching that justifies such arrogance?
Aside from Lobi Stars, a club from your home state, which many believe you managed under favorable circumstances, what other club have you successfully handled? Records indicate that your time at Lobi Stars did not end on strong professional grounds.
Today, you hold a position at Barau FC, a club that was historically built and promoted to higher competitive levels through the efforts of Coach Rabi’u Tata. Coach Tata notably guided Jigawa Golden Stars to promotion into the NPFL and also Promoted Barau FC’s from the NNL to the NPFL.
Many observers believe that merit, experience, and results speak louder than titles. If comparisons are to be made, the records available to the public show that Coach Tata’s achievements in Nigerian football stand on documented success.
Allegations of favoritism and nepotism have circulated regarding your appointment. While such claims remain opinions in the public space, performance and professionalism are the only tools capable of silencing critics not hostility toward journalists.
Let it be known, journalists are trained professionals. They are not subordinates to coaches. They are stakeholders in the development of the game. They ask questions not out of malice, but in the interest of transparency and accountability.
As journalists committed to ethical practice and professional excellence, we will continue to ask necessary questions, whether the answers are comfortable or not. How you respond reflects your competence and character.
If you choose to avoid interviews, that too will speak for itself.
Finally, congratulations to Aminu Halilu Tudunwada on his recent recognition by SWAN. That honor is further proof that dedication, professionalism, and integrity will always stand firm.
