Local News
Don’t Be Distracted By AFN Audit Report, Porbeni Tells Okowa
Former international athlete, Seigha Porbeni, has described as ‘big distraction’ a report by an audit committee set up by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to investigate its finances, which is now causing ripples among board members.
The AFN had set up a five-man committee on September 16 to investigate its finances. The committee, headed by its First Vice President, Tafida Gadzama, had Victor Okorie, Samuel Onikeku, Oludare Esan and Mrs Maria Worphil as members.
The panel report had, among other things, questioned some financial transactions made by AFN Secretary General, Mrs Rita Moshindi. However, some individuals, including athletes and coaches, have picked holes in the panel’s report, particularly its objection to the refund of N40 million, which AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, lent the federation to organise some competitions, including the Golden League, pending when it received money from their lead sponsor, Premium Trust Bank.
Speaking with journalist, yesterday, Porbeni, who is AFN’s head coach, said: “When two elephants fight, they say it is the grass that suffers. All these are serious distractions because AFN’s programme’s funding for the 2024 season has not been discussed by the board for approval and release for effective training of both athletes and coaches.”
Porbeni, a former Director of Sports in Delta State, hinted that in about 130 days from now, the African Games will commence in Ghana, adding that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is barely three months away.
“Since NCAA finals would be in progress within the same period, we are depending almost 90 per cent on our home-based ‘AFN panel report a distraction to Olympic Games’ preparation’ that should be camped soonest.
“All I want to say is that the AFN president should expect this sort of distraction, but like President Bola Tinubu, he should ignore and forge ahead. Success silences your distractors. Okowa should focus on the huge challenges ahead of the AFN in 2024, as finger pointing at one another at this point will help no one.”
You will recalls that AFN scribe, Mrs. Rita Mosindi, had said that some members of the Audit Panel are merely witch-hunting, adding that she did nothing wrong to warrant their allegation of misappropriating AFN’s money.
She explained: “At the beginning of the 2023 season, there was no money for AFN to execute its programmes. It was becoming an embarrassment, and the first Vice President, Gadzama, Technical Director, Onikeku and myself drove to our president’s house in Abuja. At that brief meeting, we begged him (Tonobok Okowa) to rescue AFN from the impending embarrassment by giving us some money to enable us hold our programmes, promising that he would be reimbursed when money comes from our sponsors. It was never a donation.”
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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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