News

NNL: Coaches applaud Aluo-led board after refresher course

Coaches who participated in the just concluded Nigeria National League (NNL) refresher course are still counting their blessings for being part of the course.

They are full of praise for the board of the second-tier league led by George Aluo for its foresight in repositioning the league through training and retraining of coaches.

The NNL in conjunction with the National Institute for Sports (NIS) organised a refresher course for all the 40 club coaches in the league aimed at upgrading them in modern football coaching techniques.

In separate interviews during the seminar coaches of El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, Aliu Zubair, Adamawa United, Usman Adams and Stationery Stores of Lagos, Bob Osim both agreed that they learnt a lot from the course anchored by eminent resource persons including; Technical Director of the NFF, Austin Eguavoen, former Super Eagles players; Peter Rufai and Clement Temile, NIS lecturer, Kuhwa Iorsue Jeremiah and Uefa licensed coach, Portuguese Thiago Conde noting that the impact of what they were taught will be seen when the 2023/2024 league season kicks off on 28 October.

According to them, the George Aluo-led board of NNL deserves commendation for the initiative which is the first in the history of the second-tier league just as they expressed hope that it will be sustained.

” We must commend the NNL board led by George Aluo for coming up with this wonderful idea of preparing coaches adequately before the commencement of the league which is the first of its kind in the history of the NNL.

“For us, this is a new dawn, and it has not happened before in the history of the NNL. It takes the courage of a visionary leader to organise this type of seminar which has enriched the coaches’ knowledge as they prepare for the new season.

” It’s also important to state that we learnt a lot from the resource persons and hopefully we’re going to impact the knowledge to our players which will lead to a better league”, they chorused.

The coaches were of the opinion that with regular seminars, the country’s football would improve greatly even as they charged the other leagues to emulate the NNL and organise refresher courses for their coaches.

Abdul Noah Ocholi

Recent Posts

ICPC Takes Anti-Corruption Crusade To NFF

  The Nigeria Football Federation, in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences…

4 hours ago

14th Women Africa Cup Of Nations: Falcons Will Adopt One-match-at-a-time Strategy – Nnadozie

  Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has opened a window on the approach the…

4 hours ago

Enyimba, 3SC, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United, Others Storm Lagos For Football Fiesta

    The Lagos football community is agog for the maiden edition of Tonic Cup,…

6 hours ago

**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.

Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have…

7 hours ago

Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan

Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan Liverpool…

7 hours ago

Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’

Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will 'put Lionel…

14 hours ago