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How Gov Abiodun Made Ogun State Attractive Hub For Thriving Sports Economy – Olopade
The Director General of the National Sports commission, NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade says the youth of Ogun state will eternally be grateful to Governor Dapo Abiodun for reviving sports in the state by making Abeokuta an international sports hub.
The DG stated this on Day one of the CAA African U28/U2O Athletics championship holding in the heart of Abeokuta at the sparkling newly refurbished MKO Sports Arena.
” Look at how Governor Dapo Abiodun has turned around the landscape of Sports development in Ogun state by investing in sports infrastructure across board and today Ogun state is comfortably hosting the entire Africa in an international event”
” Ogun state is now a sporting hub not only of a national level but international standard, capable of attracting the very best of international stars”.
” This is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was talking about when he gave us the mandate at the National Sports Commission not to focus only on sports consumption which is attending competitions outside the country but also on Sports production which is hosting more international competitions here in Nigeria that will benefit our young athletes”.
” This Championship is coming barely two months after Ogun state hosted unarguably one of the best ever organised National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway games 2024 and the Governor is even determined to do more to leave an unmatched sporting legacy for the youth of the state.Myself and the Chairman of the Sports commission, Mallam Shehu Dikkk cannot thank the Governor enough”.
Meanwhile After a few months of preparation and planning, action finally began on Wednesday inside the main bowl of the stadium as the opening day witnessed exciting actions and fireworks from some of Africa’s future stars.
Host Nigeria and defending champions South Africa stole the show on the opening day with some eye catching performances especially in the men and women 100m heat and triple jump final.
Nigeria’s Praise Ikweki won bronze medal in High Jump event being the first medal for the country at the Championships.
Ikwesi, who paired with Melvin Ododo, started from 1.80m, achieving a perfect record until a near missed at 2.03m before he won his third attempt to scale to the next round.
He missed his three attempts at 2.06m after hitting the pole, paving the way for South Africa’s Mateo Le Roux, who won the gold.
In the U-18 Heat One 100m event race, South Africa’s Mukona Manavhela finished in a time of 11.38, behind Nigeria’s Igbigbidje James Clifford 11.44 to qualify for the semi-final.
In the female category, Nigeria’s Mariam Jegede won the first heat of the U18 Girls 100m clocking a time of 12.13s while Congo’s Boukama Gladys finished second in 12.47s and Ghana’s Darkoah Kwateng ran 12.64s to settle for third.
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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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