Ronaldo Comforts Messi to Stay Strong Following Father’s Death

Cristiano Ronaldo the Portugal forward has sent a heartfelt message of support to Lionel Messi, offering words of encouragement to his longtime football rival during a difficult moment as the Argentine mourns his dad.
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The Portuguese superstar reached out to Messi with a message focused on strength and solidarity, extending his support to the Argentine forward and his loved ones.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Wednesday, Ronaldo was quoted as saying, “Huge hug to you and your loved ones in this difficult moment, Leo. Stay strong.’

Ronaldo Comforts Messi

Despite their legendary rivalry on the pitch, the pair have repeatedly shown admiration for each other away from the game.

Online media had reported that the Argentina football icon had bid farewell on Sunday to his father, the global star’s emotional anchor and agent since childhood who passed away following a battle with cancer aged 68.
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CAS Commends NAF Queens FC For Impressive Runner-Up Finish At 2026 Federation Cup

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended the Nigerian Air Force Queens Football Club for their outstanding performance at the 2026 Federation Cup, where they emerged runners-up after a keenly contested final against Niger Rattle FC.

Receiving the team at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, the CAS praised their resilience, discipline, and professionalism, noting that their journey to the final underscores the growing strength of women’s football within the Service.

“You have demonstrated courage, teamwork, and determination, values that define the Nigerian Air Force,” he stated. “Reaching the final of such a prestigious competition reflects the effectiveness of our investment in sports development and personnel welfare.”

He assured the team of continued support, emphasizing the NAF’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing the resources required for athletes to excel at both national and international levels.

Federation Cup

Earlier, the Director of Sports, Group Captain Ademide Adeyeye, expressed appreciation to the CAS for his unwavering support, noting that the morale boost and logistical backing played a significant role in the team’s success.

The NAF Queens FC’s impressive outing at the 2026 Federation Cup further reinforces the Nigerian Air Force’s reputation as a key contributor to sports development in Nigeria, particularly in advancing women’s participation and excellence in football.

Sports: Senegal Parade Disputed AFCON Trophy Before Peru Friendly In France

Senegal parade disputed AFCON trophy. The Senegalese national team paraded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy before their international friendly match against Peru in France on Saturday, despite having the title stripped by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board.

Led by captain Kalidou Koulibaly, the Senegalese players, wearing their AFCON medals, presented the disputed trophy to thousands of fans inside the Stade de France as the West African nation maintained its claim of being the reigning African champions.

The CAF Appeals Board had on March 17 overturned the outcome of the 2025 AFCON final in favour of Morocco, citing the Lions of Teranga’s decision to temporarily walk out of the match following a controversial late penalty awarded against them.

The Senegalese Football Federation rejected the verdict and filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Wednesday to challenge the decision.

The federation, however, argued that Senegal remains the champions of Africa, noting that the appeal panel had yet to explain the reasons behind the judgement.

“To be valid, a decision must be explained. It has not been, so Senegal are still African champions,” Serge Vittoz, part of a six-lawyer legal team handling the case, said at a press conference in Paris on Thursday.

Senegal Parade Disputed AFCON Troph

Lawyer Seydou Diagne also claimed at the press conference that there had been no order from CAF or its appeals panel asking Senegal to return the trophy and medals.

“To reassure the supporters, the fans and those who believe in the right to justice and to the protection of sporting discipline values of football, do not worry.

“There is no decision today from CAF or its appeals jury that orders the Senegalese Football Federation or the national team to return their medals or to return the trophy on the pitch; those decisions do not exist,” Mr Diagne stated.