CONSENT OF NIXON PEABODY LLP




The Boards of Directors
American Federal Savings Bank
Eagle Bancorp


         We  hereby  consent  to the use of our  firm's  name in the Form  SB-2,
Registration Statement,  and Amendments thereto as filed with the Securities and
Exchange  Commission  by Eagle  Bancorp  and to the  references  to our  opinion
therein under the heading "Legal and Tax Matters."



/s/  Nixon Peabody LLP
- ----------------------
     Nixon Peabody LLP
Washington, D.C.
February 1, 2000