Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has emphasized that Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal’s ultimate football icon, even after stepping in to wear the national team captain’s armband in his absence. Fernandes made these comments following Portugal’s dominant 4-2 Nations League victory over Denmark in Copenhagen.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Match Performance and Team Unity

Ronaldo’s absence came after he reportedly left the national team camp following a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus, having previously been omitted from Portugal’s win against Norway. Stepping up in his place, Fernandes put on a stellar display:

• Created a match-high five chances on the pitch.

• Provided two crucial assists, including a 25th-minute pass for Gonçalo Ramos’s goal.

• Overcame recent hip fitness concerns that had previously kept him sidelined against Norway.

• Dismissed any talk of internal squad division, insisting the players remain fully united.

Addressing his conversation with the 41-year-old forward, Fernandes stated:

“Regarding Cristiano, I had a conversation with him. What I told him, and what I repeat here, is regardless of what happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football, and of the country, for what he has done not only in Portugal but throughout the world.”

Coach’s Half-Time Challenge

Despite his strong overall contribution, head coach Jorge Jesus admitted he challenged Fernandes at half-time to elevate his game further. According to Jesus, the tactical adjustment paid off in the second half, highlighting a precise pass to Vitinha and noting that Fernandes excelled in finding crucial spaces on the pitch.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have kicked off their preparations for the upcoming international friendly against Russia, holding their first training session in Nizhny Novgorod on Saturday night. The squad arrived in Russia following their travel arrangements, which included backroom staff and selected Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players departing Nigeria on Thursday, October 1. Foreign-based players and head coach Éric Chelle joined the squad in Russia, with Chelle arriving separately following Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The team faces several notable absences for Tuesday’s match, as captain Wilfred Ndidi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Akpe Victory have all withdrawn from the fixture.

• Replacements: Head coach Éric Chelle called up John Otomewo and Vince Osuji to take the places of Ndidi and Victory.

• Wilfred Ndidi’s Absence: The Besiktas midfielder and team captain was originally named in the 24-man squad for the October 6 fixture, but will no longer participate, though an official reason for his withdrawal has not been confirmed.

Match Details

• Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026

• Time: 6:00 PM Nigerian time

• Venue: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium

The team is scheduled to hold its final training session on Sunday ahead of what marks only the second senior international meeting between Nigeria and Russia.

The North-East Governors’ Forum has called on the Federal Government to restart suspended oil exploration activities in Borno State, specifically within the Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas. This appeal was made alongside commendations for President Bola Tinubu regarding his efforts to revive the Kolmani oil drilling project in Gombe State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The request was detailed in a communique released at the conclusion of the Forum’s 13th regular meeting, held from October 2 to 3, 2026, at the Borno State Government House in Maiduguri. The two-day gathering brought together leaders and senior officials from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.

Key Demands and Regional Infrastructure

During the meeting—read by Adamawa State Governor and Forum Vice Chairman Umaru Fintiri—the governors also praised the Federal Government for renewed attention to major regional infrastructure projects, which include:

• The Port Harcourt-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri rail corridor.

• The Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri highway.

• The Kolmani oil exploration initiative.

Additionally, the Forum urged the Federal Government to fast-track the completion of the Mambila Hydropower Plant following the resolution of legal disputes via arbitration.

Economy, Energy, and Transportation

To drive regional development and lower transportation costs, the Forum highlighted several initiatives:

• Energy Solutions: Governors commended the adoption of a regional energy plan, noting the Dadinkowa hydropower plant’s contribution to the national grid, and encouraged mini-grid solar developments under the new electricity law.

• Clean Energy Transit: A partnership with Green Ville Energy was established to deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations across the region.

• Electric Transport & Transit: Acknowledging support from the Federal Government and the North East Development Commission (NEDC), the region is set to launch 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses, and 300 electric taxis in October. Furthermore, plans are underway to launch a regional air shuttle service.

Security, Education, and Environment

Addressing security, the Forum acknowledged the progress and sacrifices made by the Armed Forces against insurgency, while emphasizing the need for enhanced intelligence sharing and measures to protect youth from extremist recruitment through vocational training, technology-driven employment, and education. They also requested that the NEDC increase education investments, clear long-standing scholarships for disadvantaged students, tackle out-of-school rates, and support Tsangaya education.

On environmental protection, the governors agreed to collaborate with the Institute of Forest Research to train local experts and combat deforestation.

The Forum announced that its next meeting will take place in Gombe State on December 18 and 19, 2026.