Sport
Ronaldo Will Miss Al Nassr Game as Coach Gives Him Rest for Champions League
Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of Al Nassr’s squad as they take on Damac in their upcoming Saudi Pro League match. The 40-year-old captain has been left out of the 20-man list, with the club choosing to rest him ahead of their important AFC Champions League fixture.
Ronaldo’s absence is a strategic move by head coach Stefano Pioli, who is focusing on keeping his key players fresh for Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos. The decision marks only the second time this season that Ronaldo has missed a league game, the first being back in October 2024 when Al Nassr played out a 3–3 draw with Al Kholood.
Sadio Mané will also miss the Damac game due to suspension. In their absence, Colombian forward Jhon Durán will step up to lead the attack.
With big games ahead in the Champions League, Pioli is clearly putting long-term goals first, prioritizing fitness and form over short-term league fixtures.
Ghanaian Referee, Daniel Laryea, who officiated the Nigeria vs Morocco game in AFCON gets interviews and shared his experience.
The referee reveals how it was his first time in a semi final and was kind of nervous. “I’ve been to three AFCON tournaments, but this is the first time I’ve been in a semi-final.”
“So when coaches choose you for that game, they know your skills and what you can do. But of course, you feel a little nervous because of the level of the match.”
Nigerian Footballer, Bright Osayi-Samuel , react to match as Super Eagles lose to Morocco.
The player calls out CAF for their referee appointment. He shares how the Ghanaian Referee was tough on the field and made bad choices.
“One thing I would say is that the referee was really bad. I’m not saying that was the reason we lost. He is making really bad choices and it’s really tough to watch because we have referees like this in big games like today.
He then praises Morocco for a good game “But Morocco did really well.”
Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle speaks and shared why Nigeria lost the AFCON match to Morocco.
It can be noted that the match was held on the 14th of January, 2026. Nigeria lost the match with a draft in the penalties, 4-2.
During a recent interview, Chelle shared his observations about the match and shared why they lost.
“From a technical point of view, the Super Eagles weren’t at the same level as we displayed in our other matches.”
“I don’t want to say the reason was fatigue, but the truth is that we lacked movement and power.”
‘Stop Kissing Babies Mouth-to-Mouth’ — Angela Okorie Sparks Debate Online
‘May His Soul Rest in Peace’ — Destiny Boy Reportedly Passes Away
Former Nickelodeon Star Kianna Underwood Dies After Hit-and-Run Incident at 33
-
Entertainment13 hours agoFormer Nickelodeon Star Kianna Underwood Dies After Hit-and-Run Incident at 33
-
Entertainment13 hours ago‘May His Soul Rest in Peace’ — Destiny Boy Reportedly Passes Away
-
Sport13 hours agoI Was a Bit Nervous’ — Referee Daniel Laryea Reflects on AFCON Semi-Final Experience
-
Entertainment13 hours ago‘Stop Kissing Babies Mouth-to-Mouth’ — Angela Okorie Sparks Debate Online