Nigeria Premier League
NPFL: Rangers Beat Heartland In Oriental Derby To Go Top
The ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C, Sunday, March 24, 2024, did a double over their eastern neighbors, Heartland F.C in the 2023/2024 NPFL season with a 2-1 win at the ‘Naze Millionaires’ adopted home ground, Aba, in a match day 27 encounter to add to the reverse fixture’ 2-0 spanking to leapfrog Lobi Stars and occupy the top position on the log.
A goal in either half of the highly entertaining encounter that was watched by an appreciable number of spectators AT THE Enyimba Stadium, Aba, saw the Enugu side take a late first-half lead as defense-general, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi jumped the highest to head home a Kalu Nweke took corner-kick on 38 minutes while Nweke slapped home 25 meters shot on 54 minutes to set the Coal City side on a winning path.
Substitute, Chukwuebuka Ogbonna, cut the deficit by a half as he reacted well to blast home on 90+4 minutes after being left unmarked by the backline of Rangers that failed to react well to a corner kick.
Coach Ilechukwu continued his rotation policy that has helped his squad go nine matches unbeaten as he handed starts to the quartet of Isaac Saviour, Zulkifilu Rabiu, Kalu Nweke, and Kazeem Ogunleye and it was pure dominance for the visitors as it was some missed opportunities that made the game go past the half-hour mark without a goal as Kazeem, Saviour, Obaje and Nweke had seen their efforts go wide off target.
The host also showed a fierce fighting spirit as the match went on, especially in the early part of the second stanza, but, tried as much as they could, they could not break down the defense line of the visitors ably led by the duo of Austin Opara and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi.
Coach Ilechukwu Fidelis in a post-match chat, said, “It was a great game between two great sides and I am very glad that we ended the game on the winning side. We worked very hard to earn this victory and I thank God for it and hopefully, we shall keep the momentum to push higher in the league.”
With the win, Rangers now occupy the prime position on the twenty teams log with 48 points from 27 matches and will next, host Sunshine Stars in a match day 28 fixture after prosecuting the final match of 2024 Enugu F.A Cup against NNL side, Coal City United at the weekend in Enugu.
ICPC Takes Anti-Corruption Crusade To NFF
14th Women Africa Cup Of Nations: Falcons Will Adopt One-match-at-a-time Strategy – Nnadozie
Enyimba, 3SC, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United, Others Storm Lagos For Football Fiesta
**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.
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202623 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202624 hours ago
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 202624 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 202624 hours ago
Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 202616 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.
-
World Cup 202623 hours ago
Kylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
Sports Analysis17 hours ago
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
-
Women's Football14 hours ago
14th Women Africa Cup Of Nations: Falcons Will Adopt One-match-at-a-time Strategy – Nnadozie
