Katsina United will welcome Enyimba to the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Friday night for a Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, Matchday Eight fixture.

The game will be the second Friday night match of the 2026/27 NPFL season. The first saw Shooting Stars beat Inter Lagos 2-1.

Katsina United are seeking a return to winning form after drawing their past two league matches. The Chanji Boys were held 1-1 by Rivers United before sharing the same scoreline with Inter Lagos last weekend.

Their results have left them without a victory in their previous two outings, and they will now face an Enyimba side whose fortunes have improved following a difficult start to the campaign.

Emmanuel Deutsch’s team are unbeaten in their last three league games, collecting two wins and a draw during that sequence.

The Aba-based club will attempt to continue that run when they travel to Katsina on Friday, while the hosts look to end their own winless spell.

By Adeboye Amosu

Tiger Beer is extending its Manchester United partnership into consumer events across Nigeria, with a series of “uncage party” experiences planned in Port Harcourt, Enugu, Aba and Asaba.

The brewer, Manchester United’s official beer partner, will host the events in selected bars, offering consumers a range of activities including games, taste experiments, arts, street food, entertainment, giveaways and other interactive experiences.

The campaign is designed to take Tiger’s relationship with the club beyond conventional brand appearances by creating lively spaces where people can meet, participate and engage directly with the brand.

A central theme of the events is the opportunity for guests to “Uncage their Tiger”. Visitors will be invited to test their abilities, compete against friends and take part in challenges in an environment built around activity and friendly competition.

The programme will include face painting, interactive games and opportunities to win prizes, with organisers saying the different activities are intended to keep guests involved throughout their visit.

Alongside the games and competitions, the parties will focus on the social experience of spending time together. Guests will be able to share conversations and laughter, discover new activities and enjoy informal moments with friends and other attendees.

Tiger said the events are intended to offer more than a place to gather, creating an environment in which consumers can participate, interact and make memories together.

The rollout also gives the company another way to bring its Manchester United partnership directly to consumers. As the club’s official beer partner, Tiger is using its association with Manchester United to build connections through entertainment, participation and shared experiences while maintaining the brand’s energetic identity.

The events in Port Harcourt, Enugu, Aba and Asaba will offer consumers the chance to experience Tiger in settings centred on fun, discovery and involvement. The brewer said the initiative reflects its aim of creating moments that are bold, social and memorable.

Tiger is inviting consumers to move beyond the ordinary, embrace the moment and “Uncage their Tiger” as the events reach each location.

Official updates and details of upcoming matchday experiences are available on Tiger Beer’s Instagram account, @tigerbeerng.

88.9 FM

Locker Room with Victor Okhani

Adebanjo Ogunseye is an experienced sports journalist covering Nigerian and African sports for Brila Media.

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Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has been ranked as the most valuable player in the Turkish Trendyol 1 Lig, according to BSNSports.com.ng.

The Bursaspor striker is valued at €2.80 million, placing him ahead of team-mates Lincoln Henrique and Juergen Elitim in the latest list.

Iheanacho has featured in every match for the Green Crocodiles and has scored 13 goals in 8 matches. Despite his position at the top of the standings, his market value has fallen by €200,000.

The forward returned from Russia after Nigeria’s international warm-up game on Tuesday and joined Bursaspor training on Thursday.

Nigeria opened the scoring in the match through Iheanacho in the 10th minute. Lechi Sadulaev then equalised before Matvey Kislyak and Aleksey Miranchuk added further goals for Russia.

Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit in the 78th minute, while Akor Adams completed the recovery by scoring in the fourth minute of stoppage time to make it 3-3 in Nizhny Novgorod.

Moses Simon says Nigeria’s emerging players have given the Super Eagles reason to be optimistic about the future after their 3-3 draw with Russia in an international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday.

Nigeria recovered from 3-1 down to claim a draw against Valery Karpin’s side in a match that saw Eric Chelle give opportunities to several fringe members of his squad.

Peter Edokpolor and Umar Abubakar were among those to make an impression. Benfica youngster Edokpolor scored Nigeria’s second goal with a fine finish, while Abubakar set up Akor Adams for the stoppage-time equaliser.

The result extended an entertaining contest in which the Super Eagles showed resilience after falling two goals behind and secured a commendable draw against Russia.

Simon, who made his 102nd appearance for Nigeria in the match, praised the contribution of the less-established players and said their performances pointed to a positive future for the national side.

“A tough atmosphere, a demanding test, but these young players stood tall and showed real character to earn a commendable draw,” Simon wrote on X.

“The talent, courage and composure on display offer plenty of reasons to believe in a brighter and greater future for this team.

“The future is looking good for our country. ???”

Shooting Stars Sports Club defender Adelowo Gbolagade has promised that the Oluyole Warriors will not give up despite extending their difficult run in the EUROMATCH NPFL.

The Ibadan-based side were held to a goalless draw by Kano Pillars at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Wednesday in a rescheduled week three fixture.

The result leaves Shooting Stars without a league victory in their past four matches. They have suffered two defeats and recorded two draws during that run.

Shooting Stars are 13th in the league table with eight points, following a sequence that has increased pressure on the team after a challenging start to the campaign.

Gbolagade addressed supporters after the frustrating home draw, acknowledging their disappointment while insisting the squad remained determined to improve.

“We know this is a difficult moment, and we understand your anger, disappointment and frustration,” he wrote on his X handle.

“We feel it too. But we want you to know that we are not giving up. We are hurting, but we are also determined to fight harder and make things right.

“Your support means everything to us, especially during the tough moments. Please keep believing in us and standing with the team.

“We promise to learn from our mistakes, work harder, and give everything we have on the pitch. This is not the end of our story. We will get it right.”

The draw against Kano Pillars followed a run in which Shooting Stars have struggled to turn performances into victories, leaving them with only eight points from their league campaign so far.

Gbolagade’s message was aimed at reassuring supporters that the players remain committed to reversing the team’s fortunes. He said the squad would use the recent setbacks as motivation to work harder and correct its mistakes.

Shooting Stars will now look to end their four-match winless run and climb from 13th position in the EUROMATCH NPFL table.

Mauro Tassotti has praised Samuel Chukwueze’s progress at AC Milan while acknowledging the difficulties the Nigeria winger faces in adjusting to a wider tactical responsibility under manager Ruben Amorim.

Chukwueze is being asked to operate along the entire right flank, contributing defensively as well as providing his usual attacking threat. The role represents a significant change from playing as a more advanced, out-and-out winger.

“This is the first year that Chukwueze has been playing on the wing [up and down the whole flank],” Tassotti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The former AC Milan defender and five-time Scudetto winner was speaking ahead of the Rossoneri’s return to Serie A action against Sassuolo after the international break. His interview covered the tactical adjustments being made across the squad as Amorim continues to develop his approach.

Tassotti said Chukwueze had already shown enough quality to suggest he can make the role his own, although he also noted that the transition has exposed some weaknesses in Milan’s shape.

“I’ve seen him do some good things, and others less so, with Milan finding themselves unbalanced in some dangerous situations,” he said.

The assessment reflects the challenge facing Chukwueze as he learns to combine his pace and attacking ability with the discipline required to cover the full length of the flank. His effectiveness in that position could prove important to Milan’s ambitions this season.

For Amorim, the task is to refine a system that allows Chukwueze to remain an attacking outlet without leaving the team vulnerable when possession is lost. The Nigeria international’s continued development will therefore be closely linked to Milan’s efforts to find greater balance.

Chukwueze’s adaptation comes as the club prepares to resume its Serie A campaign against Sassuolo, with the winger continuing to learn the demands of his new position at San Siro.

Blackburn Rovers forward Dapo Afolayan says he would “love” to play for Nigeria after revealing that he has previously come close to receiving a Super Eagles call-up.

The 29-year-old was born in London to Nigerian parents and remains eligible to represent the country at senior international level.

Afolayan has played once for England C, but that team is not affiliated with FIFA. His appearance therefore does not prevent him from switching allegiance to Nigeria.

“I would love to play for Nigeria. It’s always been something I wanted to do since I was a kid,” Afolayan told Blackburn Rovers’ official website.

“I have been really close, and timing has been unfortunate in a few cases.”

The forward explained that he had been competing in the Bundesliga when he appeared to be on the verge of being selected by Nigeria, only for his circumstances to change before an international break.

“I was doing well in the Bundesliga, and I was very close to a call-up, and then I stopped playing before the March international break,” he said.

“I ended up not going. It’s just one of those things that has not come to pass.”

Afolayan moved to Sky Bet Championship club Blackburn Rovers from German side FC St. Pauli in January 2026.

He has made a strong start to his time at Ewood Park, scoring three goals and supplying two assists in eight league appearances this season.

That form could give the London-born forward another opportunity to attract the attention of the Nigeria national team. Afolayan remains determined to fulfil his long-standing ambition of representing the Super Eagles before the end of his career.

Bendel Insurance have declared goalkeeper Joshua Baba absent without official leave (AWOL) after failing to return from an authorised period of recovery.

The Benin Arsenal said Baba was last seen on 29 August, when he featured in the club’s opening fixture of the season against Warri Wolves. The club issued a statement on Thursday, signed by its Director of Media and Communications, Kehinde Osagiede, and made available to Completesports.com.

Baba reportedly suffered a knock during the match and was subsequently given permission by the club’s management to return to his family and recover from the injury.

Insurance said the goalkeeper was granted two weeks to recover before travelling to Plateau State, where his family is based. He was expected to resume training and report back to the club in mid-September 2026.

However, the club said Baba did not return when the approved period ended and has since been unreachable.

“Following the injury, the player was granted a two-week recovery period and subsequently travelled to Plateau State to visit his family. He was expected to resume training and report back to the club in mid-September 2026.

“However, despite the expiration of the approved leave period, Joshua Baba has failed to report to the club and has remained absent without authorization.

“The club has made repeated efforts to establish contact with the player and ascertain his whereabouts. These efforts have, regrettably, proved unsuccessful.

“The Head Coach and Team Manager have also confirmed that the player has neither returned to duty nor obtained any authorization to extend his absence,” the statement read.

Bendel Insurance added that Baba is contracted to the club until the end of 2027, meaning he remains bound by his contractual responsibilities and the regulations governing professional football in Nigeria.

The club described the goalkeeper’s continued absence as a matter of “grave disciplinary importance”, saying his actions did not meet the standards expected of a Bendel Insurance player.

“Such conduct is unacceptable and falls short of the standards of professionalism, discipline, commitment and responsibility expected of every player representing Bendel Insurance FC,” the club stated.

Insurance said it would begin all necessary disciplinary and administrative procedures in accordance with Baba’s contract and the relevant rules of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The club also confirmed that it had formally informed both the NPFL and the NFF about the situation. It asked the two organisations to take note of Baba’s status and the circumstances surrounding his unauthorised absence.

Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffrey Buter has been fined N500,000 by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for remarks about match officials after his side’s local derby against Ikorodu City.

Buter was summoned to Abuja by the league body on Wednesday to explain the comments made during his post-match interview. He acknowledged that he had been wrong to make the remarks concerning the officiating.

The NPFL said it took the coach’s limited experience in the league into account before imposing the fine.

Buter has seven working days to pay the penalty. Failure to do so could result in further sanctions against the Sporting Lagos coach.

The league has also issued a warning to coaches and club officials over what it described as reckless or inflammatory public statements.

It said complaints about officiating should instead be submitted through the appropriate official procedures.

Pressure is growing on Shooting Stars technical adviser Salisu Yusuf after the club’s difficult opening to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign.

The Oluyole Warriors were held to a 0-0 draw by Kano Pillars in a rearranged Matchday 3 fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

The stalemate extended Shooting Stars’ poor run to just one victory in their past seven league matches. During that sequence, they have drawn twice and lost four times.

Their early struggles have been made worse by their elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup. The Ibadan club were knocked out in the first preliminary round by Tunisian side CS Sfaxien.

Shooting Stars took a 1-0 lead into the second leg after winning the opening match at their temporary home in Abeokuta. However, that advantage was overturned as CS Sfaxien won the return fixture 2-0.

The start under Yusuf is a sharp contrast to the club’s strong finish to the 2025/26 season. The Oluyole Warriors ended that campaign in third place, securing a continental qualification spot for the first time in more than two decades.

Yusuf, an experienced tactician, took over from Nurudeen Aweroro, who was controversially dismissed by the club only a few weeks before the new season began.

The change in management has now come under scrutiny from sections of the Shooting Stars support. After Wednesday’s goalless draw with Kano Pillars, some fans called for Yusuf to be removed and demanded Aweroro’s return.

The result also saw Kano Pillars claim their first point away to 3SC in nine years, although Shooting Stars remain focused on ending their own winless sequence and recovering momentum in the league.

Yusuf’s next opportunity to change the club’s fortunes will come this weekend, when his side travel to face Kun Khalifat FC in a Matchday 8 fixture.

Shooting Stars will be seeking an immediate improvement after failing to build on last season’s third-place finish and suffering an early continental exit. Further dropped points could increase the pressure on Yusuf, whose team have made an unsettled start both domestically and in Africa.

Nigeria’s U-23 Eagles will play the Democratic Republic of Congo in the second round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

DR Congo advanced after overcoming Mauritania 2-0 on aggregate in the opening round.

The Leopards were beaten 1-0 in the first leg in Nouakchott but overturned the deficit in the return fixture, winning 2-0 to secure their place in the next stage.

Mabete and Candidat Mapendo scored in the second leg for Guy Bukasa’s side.

DR Congo will host Nigeria in the first leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Monday, November 9, 2026.

The U-23 Eagles will then stage the return leg on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. The venue for that match has not yet been announced.

Nigeria’s largely new-look Super Eagles recovered from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Russia in Tuesday’s international friendly at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

Kelechi Iheanacho put Nigeria ahead after 10 minutes, but Russia turned the match around through Lechi Sadulaev in the 30th minute, Matvey Kislyak in first-half stoppage time and Aleksey Miranchuk nine minutes after the break.

The Super Eagles responded late, with 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor scoring in the 78th minute before Akor Adams equalised in the 94th.

The result extended a history of memorable Nigerian fightbacks after conceding twice.

Nigeria 2-2 Malawi, 1984 AFCON

Nigeria began the 1984 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire with a 2-1 victory over Ghana before meeting Malawi in their second Group B game.

Malawi, who had lost 3-0 to Algeria in their opening match, stunned the Super Eagles by taking a 2-0 lead through goals in the seventh and 35th minutes.

Clement Temile restored parity with goals in the 39th and 41st minutes. The draw helped Nigeria finish second in the group and qualify for the semi-finals alongside winners Algeria.

Nigeria 2-2 Egypt, 1984 AFCON semi-final

Egypt looked in control after scoring in the 25th and 38th minutes of the semi-final.

Nigeria reduced the deficit two minutes before half-time when Stephen Keshi converted a penalty. Bala Ali then equalised in the 75th minute.

The Super Eagles went on to win 8-7 on penalties and reach the final, where they were beaten 3-1 by Cameroon, who claimed their first AFCON title.

Nigeria 2-2 Cameroon, 2000 AFCON final

The 2000 AFCON final, co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria, brought the Super Eagles and Cameroon together for the third time in the competition’s showpiece, after the 1984 and 1988 finals had both been won by Cameroon.

Samuel Eto’o opened the scoring in the 26th minute and Patrick Mboma added a second five minutes later.

Raphael Chukwu pulled one back in the 45th minute, while Austin Okocha equalised with a powerful left-foot shot two minutes into the second half.

Cameroon again prevailed over Nigeria, winning 4-3 on penalties.

Nigeria 2-2 South Africa, 2015 AFCON qualifier

Nigeria needed to beat already-qualified South Africa in their final qualifying group match in Uyo.

Instead, Tokelo Rantie scored in the 42nd and 48th minutes to put the visitors 2-0 ahead. Sone Aluko halved the deficit in the 68th minute before scoring again in the 94th to level the match.

The comeback was not enough. Congo Brazzaville’s 1-0 away victory over Sudan on the final day meant Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2015 AFCON.

Nigeria 4-2 Argentina, 2017 friendly

Argentina led 2-0 in Krasnodar, Russia, after Ever Banega scored in the 27th minute and Sergio Aguero struck nine minutes later. Lionel Messi did not play, but Argentina also fielded Angel Di Maria, Javier Mascherano, Paulo Dybala, Nicolas Otamendi and Giovani Lo Celso.

Iheanacho’s free-kick made it 2-1 in the 44th minute. Alex Iwobi equalised seven minutes into the second half, and debutant Brian Idowu put Nigeria ahead.

Iwobi completed the comeback with his second goal in the 73rd minute as the three-time African champions won 4-2.

Former Nigeria striker Victor Ezeji has congratulated Godwin Obaje after the Rangers forward became the latest player to reach 100 goals in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Obaje’s landmark goal has earned widespread recognition in Nigerian football, highlighting his longevity and consistency across a career that has included spells with Wikki Tourists, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Abia Warriors and Enugu Rangers.

The achievement places Obaje in the NPFL’s 100-goal club alongside Ezeji and active veteran Rabiu Ali.

Ezeji, who retired 11 years ago and finished his career with 148 league goals, said he would welcome Obaje surpassing his personal record.

“No records are there forever; records are meant to be broken,” Ezeji said. “I stopped playing 11 years ago and would love to see my record broken. I wish Obaje well and hope he breaks it, and if not, that’s also fine.”

The former forward’s response underlines the respect between generations of Nigerian footballers. Rather than viewing Obaje’s progress as a threat to his own standing, Ezeji regards the pursuit of his record as evidence of the continuing development of the domestic game.

Obaje’s century has been built over successful periods with several NPFL clubs before his latest spell with Enugu Rangers. His goalscoring record has now placed him among an exclusive group of players to have reached three figures in the competition.

The Rangers striker will have the opportunity to extend his tally in the club’s colours, with attention now turning to how far he can push his total and whether he can eventually overtake Ezeji’s 148-goal mark.

Ezeji’s comments also reflect the wider significance of the milestone, with Obaje’s achievement adding another notable chapter to the history of the NPFL.

Galatasaray will not decide whether Victor Osimhen can face Kas?mpasa until the striker has completed further medical assessments, club doctor Yener Ince says.

The Nigeria international has missed Galatasaray’s past three matches in all competitions since sustaining an injury during the 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir last month.

The problem also forced Osimhen to withdraw from Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Galatasaray host Kas?mpasa at RAMS Park on Friday, and Osimhen is hoping to return after making progress in his recovery. However, Ince has warned that the club will not rush the striker back into action.

“His treatment is also going very well. But we need to say this about him: there was a very large hematoma in a muscle group that the doctors call Grade 2. He had serious bleeding. His injury is not something to be taken lightly,” Ince said on the Galatasaray YouTube channel.

“With the help of our radiologist colleagues at our sponsor hospital, we drained the hematoma using a different method. After the hematoma was drained, he felt much better. His treatment is ongoing.”

Osimhen took part in some of Galatasaray’s training on Thursday, but Ince said the forward’s condition would continue to be monitored in stages.

“He participated in some of the team’s training sessions yesterday. However, we will assess him day by day, phase by phase. We don’t want to take any risks,” he added.

Ince said the same approach would apply to Wilfried Singo, who is also being assessed by the club.

“I’ll say the same thing for both Wilfried Singo and Osimhen: We don’t want to take any risks. We will make our decision based on the results of the tests we conduct in those phase studies,” he said.

“I understand there’s a very important match schedule, but rather than losing the player for an even longer period, we need to move forward based on the test results we’ve obtained here. We will try to protect him as much as possible.”

Doctor explains Osimhen’s training absence

Ince also sought to clarify why Osimhen did not immediately return to full team training after coming back to Turkiye from a short holiday in Nigeria.

The Galatasaray doctor said the striker had an upper respiratory infection and was placed on an individual programme for two days.

“I have one more thing to say about Victor. I’m saying this, again, to respond to speculation,” Ince said.

“Something like, ‘The player arrived, didn’t show up for training, this happened, that happened.’

“When the player arrived here, he had an upper respiratory infection. That’s why he trained using a different method for two days. We didn’t include him in team training; we trained him separately.”

Super Falcons interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen says Nigeria’s preparations for their 2028 Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros have not been disrupted by the withdrawal of several established players.

Nigeria will meet Comoros in a two-leg second-round tie, with both matches being played at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on 9 and 13 October.

The fixtures were moved to Nigeria after Comoros failed to provide a football pitch of a suitable standard to host the games.

Among those unavailable to Nigeria are Asisat Oshoala, Oluwatosin Demehin, Flourish Sabastine and Ashleigh Plumptre. Despite the absences, Eguavoen believes the players who remain in camp can deliver a strong performance over the two matches.

“It is true that we have a number of withdrawals, notably Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin,” Eguavoen was quoted by thenff.com.

“However, I have confidence in their replacements as these players also have the quality and experience to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success against Comoros.

“Everyone has settled in well in camp as we have a full house now, and our focus is to present a strong and competitive squad for the two matches.”

Belarus-based forward Blessing Okpe, who was called up late, is the only player still expected to arrive at the team’s camp in Ijebu-Ode.

Eguavoen’s squad will be led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade as Nigeria begin their attempt to qualify for a second successive Women’s Football Tournament of the Olympic Games. The Super Falcons appeared at Paris 2024.

Nigeria must eliminate Comoros over the two legs to reach the third round of the five-round African qualifying series. That third-round tie is scheduled to be played in March 2027.

The Super Falcons’ two fixtures against Comoros will therefore determine whether they remain in contention for another Olympic appearance, with the back-to-back matches taking place on home soil.

Kano Pillars secured their first away point against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in nine years after a goalless draw in their rescheduled NPFL Matchday 3 fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

The result ended Pillars’ lengthy run without avoiding defeat in Ibadan. Their previous unbeaten visit to the Oluyole Warriors had also produced a 0-0 draw, on 7 June 2017.

Kano Pillars had lost each of their four subsequent trips to face 3SC, conceding six goals and scoring only once during that run.

Neither side could find the decisive finish despite both creating opportunities. Shooting Stars controlled 65% of possession and recorded more attacks and dangerous attacks, but Kano Pillars remained organised defensively to preserve their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 season.

Pillars went into the match unbeaten in their previous six games, recording two wins and four draws. By contrast, 3SC had failed to win any of their last four league fixtures, with two defeats and two draws.

The point maintained Kano Pillars’ positive beginning to the campaign and lifted them to sixth place with 11 points. Shooting Stars are 14th on eight points.

The Ibadan side will have the chance to end their winless league sequence on Sunday, when they travel to face Kun Khalifat.

Kano Pillars will also be away from home on Sunday, with a trip to Jos to play Plateau United.

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he was wrong to leave Portugal’s camp but says he will not retire from international football after accusing Jorge Jesus of breaking his word twice.

The 41-year-old captain said an agreement had been reached for him to miss Portugal’s matches against Norway and Denmark as part of a plan to manage his fitness. He therefore accepted being an unused substitute as Portugal beat Norway 2-1 on 27 September.

Ronaldo said Jesus later told him he had changed his mind and expected him to play against Norway, before deciding against using him because of the circumstances of the match. The coach has acknowledged that he made Ronaldo warm up for too long without bringing him on, while insisting the final decision was his and that there was no personal dispute between them.

Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Al Nassr, said “any player” would have been unhappy in that situation.

Disagreement over public explanation

Ronaldo said a subsequent meeting with Jesus produced an agreement over how the incident would be explained before the Denmark match.

An eight-point document was prepared, he said, stating that he had not demanded playing time, had respected the coach’s decisions and that asking a player of his stature to warm up without introducing him had been a mistake.

Ronaldo added that Jesus did not need to apologise to him personally. However, he said the public explanation did not match what had been agreed privately, prompting him to decide he could no longer stay with the squad.

After Jesus announced that Ronaldo would not start against Denmark, the Portugal captain spoke to Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca and left camp. The federation confirmed his departure, while Ronaldo said he would explain his reasons “in due course”.

Portugal went on to beat Denmark 4-2 without him. Jesus had previously said there was no “Ronaldo case”, that the same rules applied to every player and that Goncalo Ramos would start against Denmark if everything went according to plan.

Ronaldo’s statement accepted responsibility for leaving, apologised to his team-mates and the Portuguese public, and said he believed the federation should punish him. He also made clear that he would remain available once any suspension had been served.

Retirement ruled out

Ronaldo revealed he had considered ending his international career after Portugal’s World Cup campaign ended in the last 16 this summer. He had prepared a letter for supporters, but said Pedro Proenca persuaded him to reconsider during the journey home from the United States.

“I am not retiring from Portugal,” Ronaldo declared. He wants to continue competing rather than have his next appearance treated solely as a farewell, although he accepted that one or more farewell matches could eventually take place.

Ronaldo is Portugal’s record scorer and appearance holder, with 146 goals in 234 appearances. His 146 international goals are also a men’s world record. He won the European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League twice.

He has scored 979 career goals for Portugal, Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al Nassr, and is pursuing 1,000.

Portugal won all four of its Nations League matches during the period, beating Norway and Denmark without Ronaldo. The team’s next chance to recall him comes in the November window against Denmark and Wales.

The dispute has damaged a relationship Ronaldo once viewed positively, but the central question is whether he and Jesus can repair it with the 2028 European Championship ahead.

Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have arrived in the Kingdom of Morocco ahead of this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals.

The team’s contingent landed at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca on Wednesday morning.

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen says the Super Falcons have enough quality and experience to cope with several withdrawals before their 2028 Olympics Women’s Football Tournament qualifying tie against Comoros.

Nigeria will face Comoros over two legs on 9th and 13th October, with both matches being played at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros do not have a standard football pitch in their country.

The fixtures form part of the five-round African qualifying series, with the aggregate winners advancing to the third round.

Eguavoen’s original squad has been affected by the withdrawals of Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin, but the interim coach insists their replacements can make a significant contribution.

“It is true that we have a number of withdrawals, notably Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin. However, I have confidence in their replacements as these ones also have the quality and experience to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success against Comoros,” he said.

“Everyone has settled in well in camp as we have a full house now, and our focus is to present a strong and competitive squad for the two matches.”

Belarus-based forward Blessing Okpe, who received a late invitation, is the only player still expected to arrive at the team’s camp in Ijebu-Ode.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead Nigeria’s bid to qualify for a second successive Women’s Football Tournament at the Olympics. The Super Falcons featured at Paris 2024.

The 10-time African champions will reach the third round if they defeat Comoros on aggregate. That stage of the qualifying competition will be decided in March 2027.

Super Falcons squad in camp

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Christiana Uzoma

Defenders: Farida Abdulwahab, Sandra John, Tumininu Adeshina, Valentina Uroko, Glory Edet, Shukurat Oladipo, Glory Ogbonna

Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Favour Omenazu, Joy Igbokwe, Jennifer Echegini, Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade, Shakirat Moshood, Blessing Nkor, Sandra John, Folashade Ijamilusi, Janet Akekoromowei, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa

Expected: Blessing Okpe (forward)

The Nigeria Football Federation’s Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has praised the Super Eagles’ resilience after they fought back from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.

Nigeria had trailed 3-1 early in the second half but responded through debutant Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams to secure an encouraging result, particularly with several young players making their international debuts.

“This is the Super Eagles we want to see turn up each and every time. The NFF and the Nigeria football family, and I believe all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, are happy with this result. More than the result, the character displayed by the team was remarkable and made us proud.

“Given that we had so many young players with many of them winning their first caps, the result is heartwarming.”

Ikpeme was with the three-time African champions in Nizhny Novgorod and said the determination shown against Russia must be carried into Nigeria’s next fixtures.

The Super Eagles will face Tanzania twice in November in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Nigeria will host the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 13th November, before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Tuesday, 17th November.

Nigeria took the lead against Russia after 10 minutes when Kelechi Iheanacho, returning to the squad after an absence, caught the hosts’ goalkeeper with a well-placed low shot.

Russia equalised through Lechi Sadulaev on the half-hour mark, then moved in front when Matvey Kislyak scored two minutes into first-half stoppage time.

Aleksey Miranchuk extended the hosts’ advantage nine minutes into the second half, leaving Russia in a strong position to claim victory in front of their home supporters.

Nigeria refused to concede, however. Edokpolor, making his debut, powered through the Russian defence to reduce the deficit in the 78th minute. Adams then completed the comeback by equalising four minutes into second-half stoppage time.

The result continues the teams’ competitive recent meetings. Nigeria and Russia drew 1-1 in another friendly in Moscow 16 months ago.

The performance has also raised hopes that the Super Eagles can complete a double over Tanzania in next month’s 2027 AFCON qualifying matches. At the same time, Nigeria’s U23 team will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in a home-and-away battle for a place at next year’s U23 Africa Cup of Nations.

Those U23 fixtures will take place during the same international window as the senior team’s 2027 AFCON qualifiers.