Eugene Agagbe faults NFF over neglect of CHAN Eagles

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Abia Warriors coach Eugene Agagbe has criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for neglecting the home-based players as the country prepares for the upcoming Championship of African Nations (CHAN) qualifiers.

Agbade pointed out that the CHAN Eagles currently lack a coach and proper preparation, which is crucial for success.

“First of all, we need to have a coach on ground who will coordinate the CHAN team,” Agagbe told Brila FM.

“It is not when it is close to the tournament that we begin to rush. You employ a coach for that duty.”

He emphasized that the players are focused on their club matches and that proper coordination is necessary to build a competitive squad. “The players play league matches for their clubs. That will make us have a very good team to participate in CHAN very well.”

Agagbe expressed frustration over the general attitude towards preparation, stating, “Nigerians believe in winning and don’t believe in good preparation before the tournament. It is difficult. Whatsoever comes out, Nigerians will take it because we don’t prepare for tournaments.”

Historically, the CHAN Eagles have participated in three editions of the tournament, with their best performance being a runner-up finish in 2016, following a third-place achievement in 2014 under the late coach Stephen Keshi. Agagbe’s comments highlight the urgent need for strategic planning and support for the home-based team.

“It will take time to get what is right. We need to go back and get things right. We believe in good performance with or without good preparation; we want to win.”