More Sports
Ist Engr. Gumel National Weightlifting Championship: Bayelsa Leads Medal Table
After day 2 of the maiden Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel National Weightlifting Championship holding is Abuja, Bayelsa State has shot to the top of the medal table with 6 gold and 6 silver medals ahead of 17 other teams vying for honours in the championship.
Competing in the men’s 61 kg weight category, Agboro Favour who lifted 101kg in Snatch , 140 kg in Clean/Jerk to record a total of 241 kg and Ayodele Ruth who had 90 kg in Snatch, 120kg in Clean/Jerk and score a total of 210 kg accounted for Bayelsa state gold medal haul so far.
Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Edo, Ogun and Oyo State are having 3 gold medals each but Ogun is occupying the second position for clinching an additional silver medal while Oyo boasts of an additional 3 bronze medals to move to the 3rd position.
Bauchi State that really started well as far as the race for medals is concerned, are still struggling to grab a gold medal. The state currently boasts of 8 silver and 3 bronze medals.
However, the medal table is expected to change today with the Championship drawing to an end.
However, the first Vice President of the Weightlifting. Federation of Africa (WFA) and former President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Sir Chimdi Ejiogu, who flagged off the Championship, gave Kudos to the President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Abdul Ibrahim and other stakeholders for thinking it wise to stage the championship.
He described Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) in whose honour the Championship is being held as a living Legend and a great ambassador to Nigeria who is worthy of honour having contributed immensely to the Development of Sports in the country.
According to Sir Ejiogu, someone like Engr. Habu Gumel can best be honored as a living Legend now that he is with us than when he passes on.
President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation who just arrived from America where he went for a befitting programme, said the championship is aimed at discovering new talents that will take over from the retiring ones.
According to him, many good ones are quitting the sports due to old age while others are moving into coaching.
And as a serious, Federation, there is an urgent need to replace them in order not to creat a vacuum. All we need now is a pool of young, vibrant and energetic lifters that will stand the taste of time.
Hence the reason for keeping his hands into his pockets to ensure that this competition is held before the year 2024 runs out.
Besides, there lots of international Championships stirring us in the face next (2025) and we need a real formidable team to face those challenges.
“You can see lifters performance in this event coupled to the first class organization we are witnessing these three days. That is how things are supposed to be done.
So for weightlifting under my leadership and care, the sky is just the beginning. All I keep craving for is for all the stakeholders ( referees and coaches) to play their roles effectively so that together , we will get to where we are going.
There are going to be more domestic championships next year, including the 2nd edition of Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel National open among others.
Meanwhile, the maiden Engr. Gumel National Championship can be described as huge success as turned out to be the gathering of all the who is who in
Nigeria Weightlifting.Scene.
These include, Alhaji Sir Chidi Ejiogu, 1st Vice President Weightlifting Federation of Africa (WFA) and Former President Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) Chibudem Nwuche, Former President NWF Mohammed Abdullahi, Deputy Secretary General Nigeria Olympic Committee, Hon . Daniel Igali, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Muhammad Salis Gamawa, Air Commodore Rahinatu Garba, Dr. Hassan Sadidiq, Dr. Joy Madaki of NIS and Barr, Amos Dushu among others.
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 202614 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202615 hours ago
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 202615 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 202615 hours ago
Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 202615 hours ago
Kylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
World Cup 20267 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.
-
Sports Analysis8 hours ago
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
-
Other News15 hours ago
Tony Cascarino reveals what Cole Palmer must do to emulate Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard
