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.
- Morocco awarded 3-0 forfeit victory over Senegal walkout.
By Ezinne – IduwiniVoice
In an unprecedented and earth-shattering ruling for African football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially stripped Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title. On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the CAF Appeal Board announced that the final result has been overturned, declaring hosts Morocco the rightful champions following a successful protest against a mid-match walkout by the Senegalese team.
The controversy centers on the chaotic final held in Rabat on January 18, where Senegal had initially celebrated a 1-0 victory in extra time. However, the CAF Appeal Board ruled that the conduct of the Senegalese team—specifically a 15-minute walk-off led by head coach Pape Thiaw to protest a late penalty awarded to Morocco—constituted a “forfeiture” under Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations. According to the official statement:
The Forfeit: This is because Senegal left the pitch without the referee’s authorization, the match has now been recorded as a 3-0 victory in favor of Morocco, and Overturned Decision in the sense that this ruling sets aside an earlier disciplinary board decision that had initially allowed the 1-0 result to stand despite fines. Then the sanctions: While the title moves to Morocco, individual sanctions were also adjusted; Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari saw his $100,000 fine canceled, though a two-match suspension remains.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has reacted with fury, describing the decision as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” and has signaled its intent to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland. Meanwhile, in Morocco, the “Atlas Lions” have been officially crowned African champions for the first time since 1976.
The decision has divided the continent, with many praising CAF for strictly enforcing its rules on pitch walkouts, while others argue that “sporting merit” on the field should have taken precedence over administrative regulations.
By: Daire Perez
In a gripping semi-final play-off for the African qualifier to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Nigerian national football team defeated Gabon national football team 4 – 1 (after extra time) in Rabat, Morocco.
The Nigerian onslaught began when Akor Adams pounced on a defensive error to score in the 78th minute. However, Gabon responded through Mario Lemina, who drew his side level in the 89th minute and forced extra time.
Nigeria dominated the extra time, however, as Chidera Ejuke found the net early in the added period of play, followed by a brace from Victor Osimhen (goals in the 102nd and 110th minutes) to seal the fate of their Gabonese counterparts.
The match was marked by off-pitch dram: the Nigerian squad had briefly refused to train earlier in the week over unpaid bonuses, which was resolved before the kick-off. Another significant moment was when Osimhen pulled of his Jessey after his first goal but forgot to wear it before continuing to play on. Drama began when a Nigerian international on the bench ran into the field to hand Osimhen his Jessey during play-on. This attracted yellow cards to both men.
With this victory, Nigeria progresses to the final stage of the CAF play-off, keeping their hopes alive of reaching the expanded 2026 World Cup via a long walk.
(c) IduwiniVoice
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.