Portuguese Legend Bows Out After 23 Years, 146 Goals and 234 Appearances for Portugal

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 41, bringing an end to an illustrious 23-year career with the Portugal national team.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message shared on his social media platforms.

Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, said the time had come to hand over Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt to the next generation of players.

The former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus forward retires from international football as the highest goalscorer in men’s international football history, with an outstanding record of 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.

His international journey began in August 2003, when he made his senior debut for Portugal as an 18-year-old. Over the following 23 years, he became the country’s most recognisable football figure and one of the most influential captains in the history of the national team.

One of the greatest moments of his international career came in 2016, when he captained Portugal to its first-ever UEFA European Championship title.

Portugal defeated host nation France 1-0 after extra time in the final, despite Ronaldo being forced off the pitch through injury in the first half. His leadership and encouragement from the sidelines remained an important part of the historic victory.

He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, bringing his major international trophy haul with the country to three.

In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on his remarkable journey, describing wearing Portugal’s No. 7 shirt for 23 years as a privilege and responsibility.

He said the decision was not easy because it involved both his head and his heart, adding that it was time to pass the responsibility to the next generation.

Ronaldo leaves behind extraordinary records, including the most international appearances and goals in men’s football. He also became the first male player to score at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Beyond his international achievements, the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient enjoyed a remarkable club career, winning multiple domestic league titles and five UEFA Champions League trophies.

His retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in Portuguese and world football, with his achievements, leadership, goalscoring records and commitment to his country likely to remain an inspiration to future generations.

Although he has ended his international career, Ronaldo’s legacy as one of football’s greatest-ever players remains firmly established.

Portugal will now look towards a new generation of players to carry forward the legacy of its legendary No. 7.

… Prays for Nigeria’s peace, unity, security, prosperity
… Holds farewell meeting with Makkah Deputy Governor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Saudi Arabia for Abuja on Wednesday after completing his Umrah pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, where he offered special prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity.

The President’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 p.m. Saudi time, bringing his spiritual visit to the Kingdom to an end.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu was seen off at the airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo; and the Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.

Before his departure, the President held a brief farewell meeting with the Deputy Governor of Makkah at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.

Tinubu, who arrived in Saudi Arabia last Thursday, led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.

A major highlight of the pilgrimage was Sunday’s rare opportunity granted to the President and members of his delegation to enter the sacred Ka’abah, where they performed two raka’at prayers.

During the spiritual exercise, Tinubu offered supplications to Almighty Allah for enduring peace, improved security, national unity and economic prosperity, while seeking divine wisdom, guidance and strength to discharge his responsibilities to Nigerians. Nigerianews subscription

He also prayed for divine blessings upon the country, its leaders and citizens, expressing hope that Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity would become a source of national strength, cohesion and shared prosperity.

The President described the pilgrimage as an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving and renewed dedication to the task of building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria. Nigerianews subscription

He expressed appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and special courtesies extended to him and his delegation.

Tinubu particularly acknowledged the rare privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah, describing the opportunity to pray within the sacred structure as spiritually significant. FollowPolitics

According to the statement, the President concluded the pilgrimage with renewed faith, gratitude to Almighty Allah and a strengthened resolve to pursue his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Onanuga said Tinubu remained committed to translating Nigerians’ aspirations into tangible improvements in living conditions and building a better country for all. Nigerianews subscription

The presidential delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among other senior government officials.

The President’s return concludes a visit that combined religious observances with prayers for national stability, improved security and the success of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and development.

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has called on the Federal Government to urgently restore the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) programme to improve farmers’ access to affordable agricultural inputs and strengthen food production across the country.

The association said the revival of the programme would provide farmers with better access to essential agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, improved seeds and other farm support services required to boost productivity and ensure food security.

AFAN noted that the rising cost of agricultural inputs has continued to place enormous pressure on farmers, particularly smallholder farmers, who play a critical role in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

According to the association, restoring the programme would help reduce the financial burden on farmers, encourage increased participation in agricultural production and support the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve food security under its agricultural transformation agenda.

The association further stressed that affordable and timely access to farm inputs remains essential to improving crop yields, expanding agricultural activities and making farming more attractive to young Nigerians.

AFAN also urged the Federal Government to strengthen collaboration with relevant agricultural institutions, state governments, financial institutions and private-sector stakeholders to ensure that farmers benefit directly from government intervention programmes.

It maintained that a sustainable agricultural sector requires consistent policies, adequate funding and effective implementation of programmes designed to support farmers at every stage of production.

The association expressed optimism that restoring NAGS-AP would contribute significantly to increased food production, job creation, rural economic development and the stabilisation of food prices across the country.

AFAN therefore appealed to the Federal Government to give the programme urgent attention as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector and achieve sustainable food security.

Portuguese Legend Bows Out After 23 Years, 146 Goals and 234 Appearances for Portugal

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 41, bringing an end to an illustrious 23-year career with the Portugal national team.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message shared on his social media platforms.

Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, said the time had come to hand over Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt to the next generation of players.

The former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus forward retires from international football as the highest goalscorer in men’s international football history, with an outstanding record of 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.

His international journey began in August 2003, when he made his senior debut for Portugal as an 18-year-old. Over the following 23 years, he became the country’s most recognisable football figure and one of the most influential captains in the history of the national team.

One of the greatest moments of his international career came in 2016, when he captained Portugal to its first-ever UEFA European Championship title.

Portugal defeated host nation France 1-0 after extra time in the final, despite Ronaldo being forced off the pitch through injury in the first half. His leadership and encouragement from the sidelines remained an important part of the historic victory.

He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, bringing his major international trophy haul with the country to three.

In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on his remarkable journey, describing wearing Portugal’s No. 7 shirt for 23 years as a privilege and responsibility.

He said the decision was not easy because it involved both his head and his heart, adding that it was time to pass the responsibility to the next generation.

Ronaldo leaves behind extraordinary records, including the most international appearances and goals in men’s football. He also became the first male player to score at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Beyond his international achievements, the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient enjoyed a remarkable club career, winning multiple domestic league titles and five UEFA Champions League trophies.

His retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in Portuguese and world football, with his achievements, leadership, goalscoring records and commitment to his country likely to remain an inspiration to future generations.

Although he has ended his international career, Ronaldo’s legacy as one of football’s greatest-ever players remains firmly established.

Portugal will now look towards a new generation of players to carry forward the legacy of its legendary No. 7.

… Prays for Nigeria’s peace, unity, security, prosperity
… Holds farewell meeting with Makkah Deputy Governor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Saudi Arabia for Abuja on Wednesday after completing his Umrah pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, where he offered special prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity.

The President’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 p.m. Saudi time, bringing his spiritual visit to the Kingdom to an end.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu was seen off at the airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo; and the Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.

Before his departure, the President held a brief farewell meeting with the Deputy Governor of Makkah at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.

Tinubu, who arrived in Saudi Arabia last Thursday, led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.

A major highlight of the pilgrimage was Sunday’s rare opportunity granted to the President and members of his delegation to enter the sacred Ka’abah, where they performed two raka’at prayers.

During the spiritual exercise, Tinubu offered supplications to Almighty Allah for enduring peace, improved security, national unity and economic prosperity, while seeking divine wisdom, guidance and strength to discharge his responsibilities to Nigerians. Nigerianews subscription

He also prayed for divine blessings upon the country, its leaders and citizens, expressing hope that Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity would become a source of national strength, cohesion and shared prosperity.

The President described the pilgrimage as an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving and renewed dedication to the task of building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria. Nigerianews subscription

He expressed appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and special courtesies extended to him and his delegation.

Tinubu particularly acknowledged the rare privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah, describing the opportunity to pray within the sacred structure as spiritually significant. FollowPolitics

According to the statement, the President concluded the pilgrimage with renewed faith, gratitude to Almighty Allah and a strengthened resolve to pursue his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Onanuga said Tinubu remained committed to translating Nigerians’ aspirations into tangible improvements in living conditions and building a better country for all. Nigerianews subscription

The presidential delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among other senior government officials.

The President’s return concludes a visit that combined religious observances with prayers for national stability, improved security and the success of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and development.

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has called on the Federal Government to urgently restore the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) programme to improve farmers’ access to affordable agricultural inputs and strengthen food production across the country.

The association said the revival of the programme would provide farmers with better access to essential agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, improved seeds and other farm support services required to boost productivity and ensure food security.

AFAN noted that the rising cost of agricultural inputs has continued to place enormous pressure on farmers, particularly smallholder farmers, who play a critical role in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

According to the association, restoring the programme would help reduce the financial burden on farmers, encourage increased participation in agricultural production and support the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve food security under its agricultural transformation agenda.

The association further stressed that affordable and timely access to farm inputs remains essential to improving crop yields, expanding agricultural activities and making farming more attractive to young Nigerians.

AFAN also urged the Federal Government to strengthen collaboration with relevant agricultural institutions, state governments, financial institutions and private-sector stakeholders to ensure that farmers benefit directly from government intervention programmes.

It maintained that a sustainable agricultural sector requires consistent policies, adequate funding and effective implementation of programmes designed to support farmers at every stage of production.

The association expressed optimism that restoring NAGS-AP would contribute significantly to increased food production, job creation, rural economic development and the stabilisation of food prices across the country.

AFAN therefore appealed to the Federal Government to give the programme urgent attention as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector and achieve sustainable food security.