Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo Sidelined With Viral Infection as Al Nassr Stumbles in Asian Champions League Opener
Cristiano Ronaldo Sidelined With Viral Infection as Al Nassr Stumbles in Asian Champions League Opener
By Tobouke JEMINE
In a shocking blow to Al Nassr’s Asian Champions League ambitions, Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to sit out Monday’s match against Al Shorta in Iraq due to a viral infection.
The Portuguese superstar, who joined the Saudi club in January, was diagnosed with the illness just a day before the team’s departure to Baghdad. According to Al Nassr’s statement, Ronaldo’s doctor ordered him to rest and recover at home.
“Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t feeling well today and was diagnosed with a viral infection,” the statement read. “The team’s doctor confirmed he needs to rest and stay at his place. As a result, he will not be traveling with the team to Iraq today. We wish a speedy recovery to our captain.”
Ronaldo’s absence was deeply felt as Al Nassr struggled to secure a win, ultimately settling for a 1-1 draw against Al Shorta. The team’s captaincy was evident in his absence, with the squad lacking the attacking flair and leadership Ronaldo typically provides.
Al Nassr did get off to a promising start, thanks to Sultan Al Ghannam’s 14th-minute goal, expertly assisted by Otavio’s clever pass. However, the team failed to capitalize on their momentum, allowing Al Shorta to equalize and share the points.
Ronaldo, who has yet to win a major trophy with Al Nassr since his high-profile transfer, will be eager to return to action and lead his team to victory. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, but fans will be hoping for a speedy return to fitness.
Sports
Africa For Peace Sports Festival: Opening Ceremony Set For November 15, With N10 Grand Prince
By Divine Perezide
The annual Sports Events organised by Chief Dr. Sheriff Mulade dubbed “The Africa for Peace Sports Festival” is back and set to set to kick off on November 15th. This year’s event is planned to commemorate the 2025 International Day for Tolerance and marking the begining of the 2nd edition.
The event promises a diverse range of activities, including gym competition, Scrabble, snooker, Table tennis, and Mini football.
Chess and Fuss-football will be demonstration games, with winning prizes for participants.
Former Nigeria super eagle international Edema Fuludu has been appointed Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) by Ambassador Mulade Sheriff, Ph.D the festival’s initiator.
Fuludu expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to collaborate with the team to ensure the event’s success.
The Mini football competition will have two categories: Under 25-45 and 46 and above, with an emphasis on adhering strictly to the rules of the games.
With about Ten Million Naira (10,000,000.00) up for grabs with consolidation prizes, the Africa for Peace Sports Festival is poised to be an unforgettable experience as registration is now open for all interest participants.
According to the Intiator and Chairman, Delta state mini football, the sport festival will create an opportunity for the Nigeria Mini Football Association scouting delegation to identify, attract and recruit talented players into the national team to represent Nigeria in forthcoming international events.
Kindly contact Ogo Clarkson, secretary Mini football Delta State on 080-26797191 or 080-63417901 and 080-80403030.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Abuja, Nigeria-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared Nigeria’s aspirations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games a national dream, stressing that it is one Africa deserves to realise.
Posting on his official X account on Wednesday, the president highlighted the historic nature of the bid. ,”No African has ever hosted Games,” he noted, urging the Commonwealth to “complete the circle of unity.”
“Nigeria is ready to host Africa’s first Commonwealth Games in 2030 – President Bola Tinubu assures,” as the Nigeria Stories puts it.
In a rallying message of political support, Tinubu added: “It’s time for Africa.”
Nigeria’s finally bid will be presented to the evaluation committee this week, with Shehu Dikko leading the delegation alongside sports administrator Bukola Oloade. The Nigerian Olympic Committee confirmed that the country submitted its expression of interest before the March 28, 2025 deadline.
The proposal blends symbolic importance with benefits-proecting upgrades in infrastructure since the 2023 All African Games, potential job creation, a tourism boost, and increased private sector investment.
IduwiniVoice recall that Nigeria previously lost the 2014 Commonwealth Games bid to Glasgow. However, renewed optimism follows the withdrawal of Victoria, Australia, over spiralling cost. With Tinubu’s public endorsement, analysts say Abuja’s candidacy now carries fresh weight.
Observers note that the Nigerian delegation must convincingly demonstrate its capacity to manage expenses, secure suitable venues, and establish a legacy that resonates beyond 2030.
If successful, the victory would not only be a milestone for Nigeria but would also mark time in history that the Commonwealth Games are staged on African soil, elevating the continent’s global sporting status.
(c) IduwiniVoice Newspaper
By Derick Peretengboro
Paris witnessed football’s finest as the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or awards were unveiled at the Théâtre du Monday night. Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele etched his name into history by winning the men’s crown, while Barcelona’s midfield maestro Aitana Bonmati reaffirmed her dominance with a third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin.
Dembélé, 28, enjoyed a season to remember, leading PSG to Champions League glory with decisive goals, creative brilliance, and consistent leadership. His performances earned him recognition ahead of Barcelona’s rising sensation Lamine Yamal and PSG teammate Vitinha, both of whom had strong cases for the honour.
For Bonmati, the award further cements her status as the most influential player in women’s football today. Despite Barcelona falling short in the Women’s Champions League final, her vision, control, and unwavering consistency stood out across competitions, making her the undisputed winner.
The evening also celebrated emerging and specialist talents. Sixteen-year-old Lamine Yamal picked up the Kopa Trophy as the best young player, while the Yashin Trophy once again highlighted the exceptional contributions of world-class goalkeepers.
This year’s ceremony reinforced the growing recognition of both men’s and women’s football, showcasing balance, excellence, and the future of the global game.
Here’s the full list of winners at the 2025 Ballon d’Or Ceremony:
2025 Ballon d’Or – Winners & Awards
1. Men’s Ballon d’Or: Ousmane Dembélé
2. Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmati
3. Men’s Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player): Lamine Yanal
4. Women’s Kopa Trophy: Vicky López
5. Men’s Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Gianluigi Donnarumma
6. Women’s Yashin Trophy: Hannah Hampton
7. Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy (Top Scorer): Viktor Gyökeres
8. Women’s Gerd Trophy: Ewa Pajor
9. Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy (Coach of the Year): Luis Enrique
10. Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy: Sarina Wiegman
11. Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
12. Women’s Club of the Year: Arsenal
13. Socrates Award (Humanitarian/Social Contribution): Xana Foundation
(c) IduwiniVoice