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Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi has posted a heartfelt tribute to his former Barcelona team-mate Ronaldinho following his retirement from football.

On Tuesday, Ronaldinho’s brother and agent, Roberto Assis, revealed the Brazilian World Cup winner’s retirement after his stellar career.

Following his decision to hang his boots, a host of football stars sent out heartfelt messages to the 37-year-old Brazilian legend on social media.
Lionel Messi posted a picture of the pair together at Barcelona sitting down on the pitch.

He wrote: ‘As I always said, I learned a lot by your side. I will always be grateful to you for how easy it was that you did everything to me when I got to the dressing room.

‘I was lucky to share many things with you and I am very happy because, in addition to a phenomenon with the ball, you are a very great person and that is the most important thing.

‘Even if you decide to leave, football will never forget your smile. All the best, Ronnie.’

The duo played together at the Camp Nou for four years before Ronaldinho departed for AC Milan.

David Beckham, who played with the Brazilian at Milan, also posted a heartwarming message on Instagram.

He said: ‘Welcome to retirement my friend … Pleasure to play with you , against you and to see someone smile doing something they love.’

Fellow Brazilian Neymar wrote: ‘@ronaldinho which honours to be part of its history. I will always remember your joy on the field, you left a legacy that will hardly be beaten in football ART … Thank you for everything you did for FOOTBALL lovers.’Ronaldo, who won the World Cup in 2002 with Ronaldinho as part of a terrorising front-three with Rivaldo as well, said: ‘Dividing the name, the nickname and so many historical moments with this genius was an honour. It ends now a victorious trajectory, perpetuating the trail of art and joy in our football. Thanks.’

Other top stars to pay tribute on the social media platform included Ronaldo Andrea Pirlo and Steven Gerrard among many others.

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Prince Harry, Wife Meghan Arrive In Nigeria To Promote The Invictus Games [PHOTOS]

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To support the Invictus Games, an initiative he launched to facilitate the rehabilitation of sick and injured service men and veterans, including Nigerian soldiers engaged in a 14-year fight against Islamic extremists, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, arrived in Nigeria on Friday morning.

The couple, who were invited by the Nigerian Armed Forces to visit West Africa for the first time, reportedly landed in Abuja early on Friday morning, according to Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, spokesman for the Ministry of Defence. In an effort to improve wellbeing and morale, they will meet with injured soldiers and their families while they are there.

This participation has been praised by Nigerian officials as a major chance for the soldiers’ recovery.

Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter copilot gunner, founded the Invictus Games in 2014 to provide wounded veterans and Service members with the challenge of competing in sports events similar to the Paralympics. Nigeria participated in last year’s edition of the games.

During their stay, the couple will attend basketball and volleyball matches and meet with local non-governmental organizations in Abuja and Lagos that receive their support.

Meghan will also co-host an event on women in leadership with Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, according to the couple’s spokesman Charlie Gipson.

The news of Meghan’s visit has generated excitement among Nigerians who closely follow her life and association with the British royal family.

The Nigerian military has emphasised the significance of the Invictus Games in aiding the recovery of thousands of personnel who have been fighting Boko Haram Islamic extremists and their factions since 2009.

According to the military’s sports director, Abidemi Marquis, “Eighty percent of our soldiers that have been involved in this recovery programme are getting better (and) their outlook on life is positive.

“The recovery programme has given them an opportunity to improve their personal self-esteem, to improve their mental health and emotional intelligence.”

 

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Nike Unveils Super Eagles 2024/25 Jersey [PHOTOS]

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The new Super Eagles jerseys for the 2024–2025 football season have been unveiled by clothing powerhouse, Nike.

Nike’s Instagram page published a post on Monday with a launch video of the new jerseys.

“The 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒌𝒊𝒕𝒔 disrupt convention with bold twists on icons.

“Featuring 𝑫𝒓𝒊-𝑭𝑰𝑻 𝑨𝑫𝑽 innovation, each kit is engineered for the needs of the modern footballer, from kick-off to the final whistle,” the post read.

Green hoops at the ends of the sleeves and shorts adorn the white home jersey. In a striking combination of colours, the word “Naija” is written in green across the kit’s breast.

In a stylistic nod to Nigeria’s national colours, the away uniform is patterned in a pastel version of the same colour, dark green.

For their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles are anticipated to wear the new jerseys.

The team’s third qualifying match is scheduled for June 3 at home against South Africa. Seven days later, they are scheduled to travel to Benin Republic.

Before that, the Eagles will visit Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco for friendly matches against Ghana and Mali on March 22 and 26, respectively.

 

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Augustine Eguavoen Returns As Super Eagles Interim Coach

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Former Super Eagles Coach and Player, Augustine Eguavoen has been appointed by the Nigeria National Team as interim coach after the departure of Portuguese Coach, Jose Pesseiro.

He will be assisted by Finidi George, who has stayed the longest with Peseiro among all indigenous coaches appointed to work with the Portuguese by the Amaju Pinnick led board for 22 months.

 

More to come…

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