Local News
Dutch-Igbo Defender Hints At Nigeria Move After Ajax Departure
Former Ajax defender Precious Ugwu has spoken candidly about his international future, leaving the door open to a potential switch to Nigeria, according to Soccernet.ng.
Ugwu is a rising defensive talent who recently helped the Netherlands clinch the UEFA U19 Championship.
The 19-year-old centre-back, who was born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a Bosnian mother, currently represents the Netherlands at youth level but remains eligible for four countries — Germany, Nigeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Netherlands.
“I am now playing for the Netherlands but yeah, I can play for four countries so we’ll see later in the future for which one I’ll decide, but now I’m really happy here,” Ugwu said during a recent TikTok Q&A.
The teenager’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is ramping up efforts to recruit foreign-born talent.
Head coach Eric Chelle has been touring Europe in a bid to bolster the Super Eagles’ defensive options ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Malian tactician has already convinced Werder Bremen defender Felix Agu, who was eligible for Germany, to play for Nigeria.
Ugwu, who recently joined FC Volendam after over a decade at Ajax, played a vital role in the Netherlands’ recent U19 Euros triumph.
He featured in all five matches, anchoring a defence that kept three clean sheets and edged out Spain in the final.
Although he remains non-committal about his international future, Ugwu’s connection to Nigeria runs deep.
“My father before the time he was young, he knew a player, his name is Precious also as well and he really liked him a lot and so he decided to give that name to me and it’s really a nice name for me,” Ugwu revealed.
His cultural ties go beyond just names.
“As you know, my father is a Nigerian and like the Nigeria food is great like jollof rice, egusi soup, everything — plantain — it’s amazing food and I have a family there as well; I visit them a few times. I am really close to my roots and proud of it,” he added.
Despite moving away from Ajax, where he made 31 appearances for Jong Ajax and was named in the senior matchday squad three times, Ugwu leaves with glowing praise.
“Precious is a great defender who has played in our youth academy for a long time,” said Ajax’s Director of Football Marijn Beuker. “It’s a pity he wasn’t able to make the last step to the first team. We wish Precious all the best with his next step at FC Volendam.”
At FC Volendam, the teenager will look to continue his development in the Eredivisie, where regular first-team football may be the catalyst that helps him make a definitive choice on his international career.
“I visited Nigeria nine years ago, but I contact them on the phone always so it is nice. My best Nigerian food is jollof rice and meat or chicken, anything. I am Igbo, I can’t speak really well but I understand a lot of things. I can say kedu, odinma, kedu afa gi? I also have a Nigerian name — Uchechukwu,” he said.
A centre-back by trade, the 1.92 m-tall Ugwu is contracted to FC Volendam until June 2028.
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 202612 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202612 hours ago
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 202612 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 202612 hours ago
Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 202612 hours ago
Kylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
World Cup 20264 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.
-
Other News13 hours ago
Tony Cascarino reveals what Cole Palmer must do to emulate Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard
-
Sports Analysis5 hours ago
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
