Local News

Team Lagos Not Performing Badly At National Para Games – Okunnu

Team Lagos who are participating for the first time in the National Para Games have not been having a bad outing judging from the performance of the athletes at the ongoing championship in Abuja.

This was the submission of Mr. Ola Okunnu, the Director of Technical Department, Lagos State Sports Commission while speaking with reports at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him, despite being a first timer, the team still put on stellar performance in most of the sports they participated.

“This is encouraging, and the management of the Sports Commission really applauded the athletes. We have been counting our losses and our gains as well. So far so good, Team Lagos’ outing at the 2nd National Para Games is not all that bad.

“Don’t forget that this is our maiden outing in the para games which enters its second edition this year, and I can tell you that our athletes do us proud.

“As first timer at the games, we see this outing as a learning process for us. We have noted a good number of areas we will improve our preparation on for the next edition,” Okunnu said.

Speaking on the level of organisation on the part of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, which is the organiser of the competition, Okunnu said: “On the part of the organisation of the games, I must say the organisers try their best. The venues have not been far from each other. This is a special games which needs to be treated carefully because of the nature of the athletes. I believe the organisers have been able to see few areas they will improve on ahead of the next games.

Okunnu emphasised that the championship is adding value to sports development in the country. He disclosed that there have been great and beneficial takeaways for the athletes and the sports authority.

“I believe the authority will no doubt use the games to access the standard of these athletes to see their fitness into the country’s pool of talents going into international championship.

“This National Para Games is a win-win situation for both the athletes and the government. The athletes will use this championship as a platform to rob minds with their colleagues across the country, and don’t forget that 2024 is Olympic Games and All Africa Games year. The country will tap a lot in terms of talent discovery from this competition,” Okunnu said.

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…

7 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…

7 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,…

9 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…

10 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…

10 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…

17 hours ago