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Mission X: Super Falcons To Use Algeria As Shooting Practice To Prepare For Quarter-final Tie
Nine-time champions Nigeria, the Super Falcons, will use Sunday’s final group B clash with Algeria’s Lady Fennecs to prepare hard for their quarter-final date with either hosts Morocco or ambitious Zambia – two teams that any team will underrate at their own peril.
The two teams (Morocco and Zambia) were also the ones that rubbed mud into the faces of the Super Falcons at the last edition of the competition, also hosted by Morocco. The hosts accounted for the Falcons in the semi-finals (via penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time), and the Copper Queens pipped the Falcons 1-0 in the third-place match.
Head Coach Justine Madugu, who was also in the technical crew to that championship, is aware that his charges must be at their best to overcome either the hosts or the Copper Queens, or even Senegal who still have a chance to finish well if they overpower the Lionesses in their group A final-day clash.
“Our commitment has been to take it one game at a time. We believe in our approach, and we will adopt the tactics, pattern and approach that we believe can give us victory in each game. We respect all the teams but fear none.”
Algeria’s lone-goal defeat of Botswana on group B’s Matchday 1, and subsequent draw with Tunisia have taken them to four points, two behind Nigeria, and with a potential quarter-final with any of defending champions South Africa, Mali, Tanzania and Ghana as group C is still delicately poised.
Sunday’s encounter at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca will revive memories of both team’s two friendly matches in Nigeria in the last quarter of last year, during which the Falcons affirmed superiority over the North Africans with 2-0 and 3-1 defeats. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored both goals in Ikenne, off long-range rockets, while Folashade Ijamilusi, now based in China and also with the Falcons in Morocco, was the star of the second match at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos with a brace.
Madugu will have to do without USA-based playmaker Deborah Abiodun, who received yellow cards in both matches against Tunisia and Botswana, and must thus sit out this one against the Algerians.
Probables to take her place are the lively Esther Okoronkwo – who swiftly enlivened Nigeria’s previous matches at this tournament on introduction, and has two assists as well as Woman of the Match award from the 3-0 defeat of Tunisia – and the quiet but diligent Jennifer Echegini, who plays her club football in France.
However, Madugu may opt to alter pattern and personnel, and drag the energetic Toni Payne back into the playmaker role, with Ajibade slotted on the wide and with perhaps Francesca Ordega on the left, with the precocious Rinsola Babajide in the central attacking role.
Victory will not only extend the Falcons’ superiority over the Algerians but will sustain the Nigerian girls’ winning mentality (they have not lost a game this year) and set them in great tune for a potentially explosive quarter-final duel on Friday next week.
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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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