Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally walked away from Portugal’s national-team camp after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would not start the upcoming match against Denmark.
The dramatic development follows Ronaldo’s shock omission from Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway, where he spent the entire match on the bench despite warming up.

Ronaldo has now broken his silence, revealing that he decided to leave the camp following Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.

“After the press conference of the National Team Coach, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the National Team camp,” Ronaldo said.

The Portugal captain added that he would eventually reveal the reasons behind his decision, before wishing the national team and his teammates well.

The timing has immediately raised questions over whether Ronaldo has effectively called time on his international career.
However, there is currently no confirmed official announcement that Ronaldo has permanently retired from international football. What is confirmed is that he has left the camp amid an escalating dispute over his role under Jorge Jesus.

After more than two decades of carrying Portugal’s No. 7 shirt, the football world is now waiting for Ronaldo’s next move — and, crucially, the explanation he has promised to give.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The visitors took an early lead in the 16th minute when Clément Couturier headed Ryan Ponti’s cross beyond the Nigerian defence to put Madagascar 1-0 ahead.

Nigeria responded with sustained pressure as George Ilenikhena came close on several occasions. The young forward eventually got his reward in first-half stoppage time after Alex Iwobi picked him out inside the box. Ilenikhena calmly placed the ball into the bottom-left corner to restore parity.

The Super Eagles returned for the second half looking for a winner, with Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey both going close.

Coach Eric Chelle then made changes, bringing on Moses Usor and Moses Simon in an attempt to add more attacking energy.

The substitutions quickly paid off.

In the 65th minute, Usor collected a pass from Semi Ajayi inside Nigeria’s half, drove forward past two Madagascar players and finished with his left foot to give Nigeria a 2-1 advantage.

The goal marked an impressive competitive debut for the LASK winger.

Madagascar refused to give up and created opportunities as they searched for an equaliser. Nigeria also had chances to extend their lead, but the Super Eagles ultimately held on to secure all three points.

The victory gives Nigeria a positive start in Group L of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Their next assignment will be an away match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

The 2027 AFCON finals will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with Tanzania already assured of a place as one of the co-hosts.

Akwa Ibom State is set to host the maiden edition of the La Reine Cycling Marathon, with professional and amateur cyclists from across Nigeria expected to participate in the event.

The cycling marathon is scheduled to take place in Uyo from October 26 to November 1, 2026, according to the organisers.

The event’s convener, Imaobong Umoh, said the marathon is designed to promote wellness, fitness and healthy living while also providing a platform for identifying emerging cycling talents in Nigeria.

She said the competition would feature several categories, including elite male and female professionals, amateurs, juniors, intermediate riders, veterans and fun riders. Special displays by skaters and power bikers are also expected.

The organisers said the race has been sanctioned by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and will comply with international cycling standards.

The marathon will also include a 100-kilometre route for elite and amateur cyclists, while fun riders will participate in shorter 25-kilometre and 10-kilometre rides. The main route will pass through parts of Uyo, including Nwaniba and Ring Road 3, before ending at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

To ensure safety, the organisers said they are working with the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police, health authorities and emergency services. Ambulances, medical teams and road marshals are expected to be deployed along the routes.

Umoh said the marathon would also provide an opportunity to showcase Akwa Ibom’s tourism attractions and position the state as a destination for cycling and sporting events.

Cash prizes and wellness packages are expected to be available for participants, with further details to be announced by the organisers.

The organisers also plan to make the cycling marathon an annual event, with participation expected to expand to cyclists from all 36 states from next year.