Local News
Lookman to miss Sassuolo game
Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, will miss Atalanta’s Serie A game against Sassuolo on Saturday due to an sprained ankle injury.
According to Alfredo Pedulla, Lookman who rejoined Atalanta on Wednesday suffering the injury in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Ivory Coast and will not be available for selection against for the league encounter billed for the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy.
Lookman who scored three goals and made an assist to help Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where they lost to hosts Ivory Coast made CAF Best XI of the AFCON alongside his compatriots, Ola Aina and William Troost-Ekong.
The 26-year-old forward scored seven goals and three assists for Atalanta before he linked up with the Nigerian squad for the AFCON tournament.
William Troost-Ekong put the Super Eagles 1-0 up before Ivory Coast equalised through Franck Kessie with an assist from Simon Adingra who also set up Sebastian Haller’s winning goal.
Meanwhile, the former RB Leipzig and Leicester City winger has assured Nigerians that the Eagles will bounce back from their final 2-1 loss against Ivory Coast in the final of the AFCON.
Lookman gave this assurance on his X page on Friday.
We fell short but we gave everything and we will be back,” Lookman wrote.
“Thank you for all the love and support, always grateful for the fans.”
Lookman also praised hosts, Ivory Coast for their remarkable comeback and Haller for being an inspiration.
Ivory Coast who were on the verge of exiting the tournament after losing their last two group games secured a third AFCON title at the expense of Nigeria courtesy of a winning goal scored by Sebastian Haller, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in July 2022.
He added, “Congratulations to the hosts, Ivory Coast and Sebastian Haller, you are an inspiration to all. God bless Naija.
**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’
Kylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 20268 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 20268 hours ago
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 20268 hours ago
Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 20268 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 20268 hours ago
Kylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
Other News9 hours ago
Tony Cascarino reveals what Cole Palmer must do to emulate Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard
-
Other News9 hours ago
Cole Palmer told what he must do to emulate Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard
-
Sports Analysis1 hour ago
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
