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Mission X: Nigeria Reach Women AFCON Final For 10th time, In Search Of 10th Title
Nigeria reached the Final of the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations after a turgid and dramatic semi final in Casablanca that saw Cup-holders South Africa sent packing, thanks to a late-in-the-day spectacular goal by defender Michelle Alozie.
Both teams fought tactically in the middle and other stretches of the park, with sets of players stifling one other at crucial moments. Nigeria came close after only eight minutes but forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, in the top scorer’s race with three goals, saw her effort tipped over the sticks by the veteran goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
Esther Okoronkwo and Ihezuo were denied in the 11th minute as the Super Falcons kept pushing forward. From this point, the game settled into a ding-dong affair, with both teams refusing to allow the other to keep to its gameplan.
In the 44th minute, the title-holders broke through the Falcons’ defence but the Banyana forward dragged her shot too wide.
A minute later, Nigeria was ahead. Receiving a pass from the right, Folasade Ijamilusi struck the ball, but it was hampered by the right hand of defender Mbane. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who had scored the penalty goal that separated both teams in their final Paris 2024 Olympics qualifying fixture last year, stepped forward and slotted past Dlamini.
A minute into the second half, Dlamini dropped the ball from Ajibade’s cross, but Ihezuo was not in the position to take advantage.
In the 56th minute, defender Osinachi Ohale pulled back forward Dhlamini in the box, gifting the Banyana Banyana a penalty. Midfielder Linda Motlhalo stepped forward and struck the ball past Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The title-holders stepped on the throttle and nearly got another goal as substitute Cesane connected a brilliant pull-out past Nnadozie, but Ohale was in the right place to save the day for the nine-time champions.
Five minutes later, Banyana found their way to the front again, and Jermaine Seoposenwe’s floated ball rose narrowly over the sticks on the Nigerian side.
Towards the end, a tense moment saw both sets of players deeply concerned for the injured South African defender Gabriela Salgado, who was taken off the pitch holding her face.
Just as both teams were settling for extra time, in added time of the second period, Alozie’s lofted ball from the Nigerian defence missed everyone, and Ihezuo and midfielder Deborah Abiodun wrong-footed Dlamini as the ball went untouched into the Banyana net.
Victory meant the Super Falcons’ first win over the Banyana in the Africa Cup of Nations in the three tournaments, with the South Africans having won group stages matches in 2018 and 2022 with 1-0 and 2-1 score-lines respectively.
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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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