The Head Coach of Nigeria National League side Abakaliki FC, Starplus Izuikem Anistar, has revealed why the Rice Boys hired former Super Eagles defender Jude Agada as the club embarks on a rebuilding process ahead of the 2026/2027 season, Completesports.com reports.
Agada represented Nigeria between 1987 and 1990 and featured for Rangers and Udoji United.
The 61-year-old Agada arrived at Abakaliki FC alongside Idowu Anthony Paul and has instantly hit the ground running.
Jude Agada Brings Defensive Experience To Abakaliki FC
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing 2026 Tico/Select Preseason Tournament in Enugu, Coach Anistar reeled out what Agada has already brought to the club, stressing that his contributions will help the club successfully navigate its campaign for promotion to the NPFL.
Also Read: NNL: Anistar Targets Early Rebuild As Abakaliki FC Eye Promotion Push
“Before we started preparations for the season, I brought in two coaches, Jude Agada and Idowu Anthony Paul.
“Agada was a defender during his playing days and we want to tap into that experience. So far, we’re beginning to reap bountifully from his experience.
“In the course of this Preseason Tournament, we’ve played five matches on our way to the final and conceded only one goal. That shows what he has so far done in fixing our defensive frailties. And I believe this will help us a lot during the NNL season.
“You see how the defence reacts to threats. You see how confident the defenders have become and how they effortlessly join the attack and still come back to do their defensive work. These are all down to Jude Agada’s contributions, and we hope to build on this when the season starts.”
Abakaliki FC Eye Preseason Tournament Title
Coach Anistar Izuikem and his Abakaliki FC squad will face Nationwide League One (NLO) side Flight FC, Gboko, in the Preseason Tournament final on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, with the gaffer looking forward to finishing with the title.
“Yes, it’s true, football is not science. We’re taught in school, in Geography to be specific, that the higher you go, the cooler it becomes.
“But in football, the more you progress in a competition, the tougher it becomes. But I think we’ll have cause to rejoice after the final on Wednesday,” he concluded.
