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 Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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