Victor Agbagu: Chosen Generation coach picks positive from Championship outing

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The head coach of Chosen Generation Angels, Victor Agbagu, has recounted the experience gained at the end of the 2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship in Calabar, Cross Rivers State capital.

A 1-0 win against Kaduna Queens in the relegation playoffs sealed their status in the second-tier women’s football league in the country for another season.

The Ogun state-based side had a rough campaign without a win in the first four games before winning their playoffs match to escape relegation to the third tier, to the delight of Agbagu, who doubles as the club owner.

“I feel so happy that all the efforts were not in vain. The players tried their best because a 1-0 win made us remain in the league and that was what we went for,” Agbagu told www.nigeriafootball.ng

“The moment we scored the goal in the first half, it is better for us not to lose focus. Our opponents (Kaduna Queens) tried with the young set of players they brought, and they did their best, but I believe that they are learning from experience, like my team, as well. The experience we have garnered here will spur us to do more in the next edition.”

In their debut season in the second-tier league, Agbagu highlighted major lessons learned from the league.

“The lesson learned from this tournament is to work more on the individual abilities of the players than the tactical setup as well,” He said.

“The major thing is what we do in training is not always what we see during matches, and that is the way football is. We will ensure that we build more confidence to be able to hold onto the ball and be able to have intelligent players. Coaches don’t need to shout on the sidelines during games before players know what to do.

“We have also learned that we should not underrate any team because we underrated a lot, and that put us where we are. Thank God the girls were able to marshal the defense today and got that slim win.

“There is a need to recruit experienced players if the team is to jostle for promotion tickets next season, but Agbagu intends to fortify the team while hoping the young squad matures ahead of next season.

“It is one of the things we are going to be working on at Chosen Generation Angels,” He continued.

“As soon as we get back, we have our program for the next year in place. We are going to recruit players and go out for a scouting program to fortify several sections. We brought young kids. They have learned here. Some of them that were unable to play this year will continue to mature ahead of next year to be able to play. We just want to fortify areas that we feel we need to to be able to push for promotion tickets.”

Chosen Generation Angels retained their status at the end of the 2024 NWFL Championship alongside Heroes Queens at the expense of Kaduna Queens and DreamStar Ladies.