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Enyimba Hire Osaze Odemwingie’s Coach To Beef Up Technica Crew
A veteran grassroots football coach, Chijioke Gabriel Osuagwu (Ogburonu), who handled former Super Eagles attacker, Peter Osaze Odemwingie in his youth days, has been appointed to the technical crew of Enyimba FC of Aba.
Apart from grooming Osaze in their days together at AS Racines of Lagos, ‘Coach Chijioke’ also has a long track record of producing numerous rare talents of the round leather game.
Among his earlier products that went on to become top internationals were Stephen Ayodele Makinwa, Kazeem Atanda Yusuf (Ayila), Ifeanyi Emeghara, Nnamdi Oduamadi and Ebenezer Olufemi Ajilore, all of whom he handled at National Grassroots Dream Team in Lagos.
He then stepped up his acumen with professional football clubs, starting at Nigerdock FC, where he handled Taye Ismail Taiwo, then took charge of sister outfits, Flaming Flamingos and Stationary Stores FC of Lagos.
Coach Chijioke then went on to become head coach at Bussdor FC of Port Harcourt, Heartland of Owerri and Abia Warriors of Umuahia, which he helped gain promotion to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) in 2009.
After a short stint with Police Machine FC of Owerri in 2011, Osuagwu, who also earlier handled the travelling squads of Ambek FC and Vejle Football Academy of Lagos, became technical director at Diamond Football Academy of Umuahia, which produced Samuel Chukwueze as well as the Nwakali brothers, Chidiebere and Kelechi.
He will now work under ex-Ajax of Holland winger, Finidi George in the technical crew of Enyimba, starting with the return leg of their CAF Champions League qualifier with Ahly Benghazi of Libya, who won the first leg 4-3 at home.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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