Local News
Mixed Fortunes As Onuachu Shines, Osimhen And Lookman Struggle Ahead Of International Break
It was a weekend of mixed emotions for Nigerian stars abroad, as some of the country’s biggest football names endured defeats while a few others managed to shine just before the international break.
Osimhen Denied By VAR As Galatasaray Suffer First Loss
Victor Osimhen endured a frustrating evening as Galatasaray suffered their first league defeat of the season — to a newly promoted side, no less.
The 24-year-old forward, who has been in red-hot Champions League form, thought he had scored his fourth league goal, but VAR intervened to rule it out for offside.
It was a tough outing for the Super Eagles’ talisman, who will now look to rediscover his scoring touch for Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Lookman And Okoye Also On The Losing Side
In Italy, Ademola Lookman and his Atalanta teammates suffered a 3-0 defeat, capping off a disappointing weekend for the Bergamo side.
Meanwhile, Maduka Okoye conceded twice as Udinese were beaten by Roma — a reminder of how tough life can be for Nigerian goalkeepers in Serie A.
Premier League Pain For Iwobi, Chukwueze, And Bassey
The Premier League wasn’t any kinder to the Nigerian contingent either.
Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey all featured for Fulham but couldn’t prevent a 2-0 defeat to Everton.
At Crystal Palace, young Christantus Uche was once again left on the bench as his side drew with Brighton.
Boniface Provides, Onuachu Delivers
It wasn’t all gloom for Nigerian forwards in Europe, though.
Victor Boniface grabbed his second assist of the season in Werder Bremen’s win, continuing to show his creative side in the Bundesliga.
But the headline act of the weekend was Paul Onuachu, who scored his eighth goal of the season for Trabzonspor. His goal helped secure a vital point, extending his lead over Osimhen in the Super Lig’s Nigerian scoring chart.
Mixed Results Across France And Spain
In France, Moses Simon was largely kept quiet in Paris FC’s draw, while Chidozie Awaziem delivered a solid performance for Nantes in their stalemate at Le Havre.
Terem Moffi came on as a substitute for Nice, but they still fell to defeat against Metz.
Meanwhile, in Spain, Chidera Ejuke made a brief appearance in Sevilla’s win over Osasuna, while Akor Adams struggled to make an impact over 90 minutes.
Looking Ahead: Super Eagles Need Firepower
As Nigeria prepares for its upcoming World Cup qualifier against Gabon, the Super Eagles camp will be hoping that their key forwards — particularly Osimhen and Lookman — can quickly rediscover their lethal touch in front of goal.
Because with Onuachu firing on all cylinders, competition for the starting shirt is heating up once again.
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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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**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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