Local News
Blessing Oborodudu Secures African Games slot and Olympic Qualifiers
Japan 2020 Olympic silver medalist Blessing Oborodudu booked a slot in next month’s African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Blessing wasted no time dispatching her 68kg opponent Tokere Appah of Bayelsa in a pinfall dominant fashion.
Ebi Biogos of Bayelsa and Hannah Reuben of the Nigerian Army also came out victorious in the 72kg and 76kg respectively.
In the male freestyle, Soso Tamarau of Delta and Ashton Mutuwa of Plateau caused an upset in the 97kg and 125kg.
The new American based sensation Ashton Mutuwa upset National champion Progress Benson of Rivers to secure the African Games qualification and Olympic Qualifiers.
Similarly, Harrison Isrsal of Bayelsa dented the hopes of Jackson Oluwafemi of Ondo who is a national champion in the 86kg.
Earlier, in the 65kg Stephen Simon of Bayelsa defeated former national champion Amas Daniel of Bayelsa while Braveman Pere in the 74kg secured qualification to the Games in Accra, Ghana.
In the 57kg Enozumini Simon of Edo joined the winning parade by cementing his slot at the African Games.
An elated president of the Wrestling Federation, Dr. Daniel Igali who spoke to Journalists at the end of the National trials in Yenagoa, applauded the efforts of all the wrestlers for their doggedness and zeal to win.
Daniel Igali who who showered praises on the Technical and officials for hosting a successful event said that despite what he saw, there is still much room for improvement.
He singled out once again adequate preparation for the Nation’s athletes going for the African Games.
In a concluding remarks, Daniel Igali expressed the Wrestling Federation’s deep appreciation to the government of Bayelsa State for the warmth reception and hosting of the National Trials.
“I want to thank the Bayelsa State Government for the support to host this trials for the African Games and Olympic Qualifiers, having said that, I think it was a well contested tournament
There were a couple of young athletes I saw here that got me very excited, every weight class was well contested for that gives me a lot of joy
However, our performance would be determined by how we prepare because I don’t think our athletes are prepared well enough to start thinking of gold so we need to start camping immediately.” Igali stated.
Meanwhile, the African Games is scheduled in the capital city of Accra, Ghana from 8th to 24th March 2024 while the first Olympic Qualifiers for the year runs from 12TH – 20TH
March Alexander, Egypt.
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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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