Sports
Ronaldo Set For Portugal Return
Cristiano Ronaldo vowed to return to the Portugal setup in 2019 after skipping his nation’s matches following the World Cup.
Ronaldo, 33, opted against adding to his 154 caps after Russia 2018, instead preferring to settle at Juventus.
But the superstar forward, who has scored 15 goals in 24 games for Juve, said he would be back in Portugal colours in 2019.
“In 2019 I intend to be back at the disposal of the coaching staff,” Ronaldo told Record.
Ronaldo said he had come to an agreement to skip Portugal’s matches in the second half of 2018 to give him the best chance of making a good start to life at Juventus, the club he joined from Real Madrid.
“It was agreed that I would not be in the games of the first half of the season,” he said.
“I am 33 years old, I had just moved from country to country, working methods, team-mates, professional and personal routines.
“I think it was the best option.”
In their six games after the World Cup, Portugal won three and drew three, booking a spot in the Nations League Finals.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo insisted he was not obsessed with individual awards after enjoying another stellar year in 2018.
Ronaldo, 33, guided Real Madrid to a third straight Champions League success before his move to Juve, where he has scored 15 goals in 24 games.
But he was denied a sixth Ballon d’Or, finishing second to Madrid star Luka Modric, whose exploits for the LaLiga giants and Croatia saw him claim numerous individual honours.
Ronaldo said those prizes were not something he worried about, adding they often came if you led your team to success.
“I’m not obsessed with individual prizes,” he told Record.
“The important thing is helping the team, always, and therefore the rest arrives naturally.
“I don’t hide that I’m happy when I win but it’s not the end of the world if it can’t happen.”
The National Division One and Division Two Volleyball Leagues organised by the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria and sponsored by Alex Otti has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Championship features 34 teams from across the country, with about 22 States already participating in activities lined up for the ten-day event.
Addressing journalists at the Umuahia Stadium, the Referee Coach for the tournament and Vice Chairman Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohamed Mohamed, assured of fair officiating in the competition and advised the athletes to be more disciplined in the field of play, saying that volleyball is known to be a disciplined sport.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the tournament for the second time.
“Last year, we were here, and we so appreciate the Abia State Government for sponsoring such a competition. The same thing happened this year too, we are here again.
The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
The Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.
“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a squad on the brink of disaster. Nigeria were winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where Nigeria swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.
However, the revival was not enough to seal automatic qualification. Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.
The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially waiting beyond.
Chelle’s message to his players was uncompromising, saying, “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”
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