Ronaldo Returns From Absence to Score in Al‑Nassr’s 2‑0 Win Over Al‑Fateh

Cristiano Ronaldo marked a dramatic comeback for Al‑Nassr on Saturday, scoring early to help his side secure a 2‑0 win over Al‑Fateh in the Saudi Pro League — his first start since returning from a high‑profile absence. (Soccer News)

Ronaldo, 41, had been absent for three league matches amid reported disagreements with the club and dissatisfaction over how it was being run under the Public Investment Fund, which also owns other Saudi clubs. Media reports said the star was unhappy that rivals backed by the fund, particularly Al‑Hilal, were able to strengthen their squads — including signing Karim Benzema — while Al‑Nassr’s activity in the January transfer window was more limited. (Sky Sports)

On Saturday at the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium, Ronaldo wasted no time making an impact. In the 18th minute, he met a sharp cross and finished coolly to open the scoring — his 962nd career goal, edging him closer to the historic 1,000‑goal mark. (beIN SPORTS)

READ ALSO:

• One Dead as Hausa, Benue Communities Clash at Port Harcourt Market
• Salah Shines as Liverpool Beat Brighton 3-0
• UN Chief Calls Africa’s Security Council Exclusion Unfair, Outdated

Al‑Nassr controlled the match from there, and Ayman Yahya doubled the lead in the 78th minute to secure all three points and maintain pressure at the top of the league standings. With the win, Al‑Nassr strengthened their bid for the title, sitting one point behind Al‑Hilal. (Gulf News)

The goal was a timely reminder of Ronaldo’s enduring class, extending his remarkable scoring streak across 24 consecutive calendar years and underscoring his value even at an advanced age for an elite forward. (Gulf News)

Ronaldo’s absence in the past weeks sparked speculation about his future at Al‑Nassr, with some reports suggesting that unresolved issues over transfers and squad resources may have prompted his protest. The Saudi Pro League responded at the time by emphasising that “no individual, however significant, determines decisions beyond their own club,” amid discussion about the star’s dissatisfaction. (Reddit)

His return and goal, however, have eased tensions for now, with fans celebrating his leadership and contribution as Al‑Nassr chase silverware and league success. (The National)

Ronaldo Returns From Absence to Score in Al‑Nassr’s 2‑0 Win Over Al‑Fateh

Salah Shines as Liverpool Beat Brighton 3-0

Liverpool booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield, as Mohamed Salah marked his return to form with a goal and an assist.

Liverpool took the lead late in the first half through Curtis Jones, before Salah set up Dominik Szoboszlai for a superb second goal shortly after the restart. The Egyptian winger then capped his performance by converting a penalty to seal a comprehensive win.

The hosts gradually grew into the contest after Brighton started brightly, with Jones—deployed at right-back and making his first start since January 17—opening the scoring in the 42nd minute. He met Milos Kerkez’s cross and calmly guided the ball beyond Jason Steele.

Brighton threatened an equaliser before half-time, but Alisson Becker produced crucial saves to deny Diego Gomez and Lewis Dunk.

Liverpool doubled their advantage in the 56th minute with a flowing team move. Virgil van Dijk found Cody Gakpo, whose cross-field pass was expertly controlled by Salah before he teed up Szoboszlai to rifle home his 10th goal of the season.

READ ALSO:

• UN Chief Calls Africa’s Security Council Exclusion Unfair, Outdated
• Tragedy on Enugu–Port Harcourt Highway as 11 Die in Road Accident
• Kwara Govt, Security Agencies Analyse Terrorists’ Video to Identify Kidnap Victims

Despite a triple substitution from Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, the visitors struggled to shift the momentum. Ten minutes later, Salah was brought down in the area by Pascal Gross, and the 33-year-old confidently dispatched the resulting penalty into the top corner for his seventh goal of the campaign.

Brighton’s night summed up a difficult run of form, with the Seagulls having won just two of their last 15 matches, and their inability to convert chances again proving costly.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Salah’s all-round display after the game.

“It’s great to see him back on the scoresheet,” Slot said. “You almost expect his goals, but what I really appreciate is how much he contributes defensively as well. That’s extremely valuable for the team.”

Teenage substitute Rio Ngumoha thought he had added a fourth with a curling effort late on, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside—a decision that appeared harsh, especially with VAR not in use at this stage of the competition.

The victory followed Liverpool’s midweek confidence boost after bouncing back from defeat to Manchester City, and it underlined Slot’s intent to take the FA Cup seriously this season—having exited the competition early last year with a rotated side.

With a second consecutive clean sheet, improved attacking fluency, and Salah regaining rhythm after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool showed encouraging signs as they continue their pursuit of silverware.

Salah Shines as Liverpool Beat Brighton 3-0

FIFA to Rule Monday on DR Congo vs Nigeria Controversy

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will finally learn their fate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification on Monday, as FIFA prepares to rule on Nigeria’s appeal concerning DR Congo’s player eligibility in the African qualifiers.

The drama stems from the playoff match held in Rabat, Morocco, last November, where DR Congo eliminated Nigeria. After a 1‑1 draw in extra time, DR Congo won 4‑3 on penalties, securing a place in the next stage of the tournament. Nigeria, however, lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging that several Congolese players did not meet nationality requirements, which, if upheld, could reopen Nigeria’s path to the World Cup 2026.

READ ALSO:

• Fubara Chooses Peace, Dedicates “Man of the Year” Award to Wike
• Kwara Communities Abandon Homes as Terrorists Circulate Threat Letters
• Ex-APC Chairman Ganduje Discusses Kano Politics, National Leadership Plans

Speaking about the appeal, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials emphasized that the complaint focuses on the proper application of player eligibility and nationality laws, asserting that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in the crucial qualifier. Congolese authorities have dismissed the claims as an attempt to overturn results “through the back door” rather than on the field.

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi expressed cautious optimism about the ruling, saying the team continues to hope for a favourable outcome that could see Nigeria return to contention for the World Cup 2026.

FIFA’s upcoming decision is expected to have a major impact on Nigeria’s World Cup dreams. Should the complaint be upheld, DR Congo’s result could be overturned, or sanctions could be applied, potentially allowing the Super Eagles to reclaim their place in the tournament. If FIFA upholds DR Congo’s qualification, Nigeria’s hopes will remain dashed, pending any further legal action.

Fans across Nigeria and Africa are closely monitoring the case, which has become one of the most talked-about controversies in the lead-up to World Cup 2026.

FIFA to Rule Monday on DR Congo vs Nigeria Controversy