International Football
Sergio Aguero set to announce retirement from football
Argentina star footballer, Sergio Aguero is expected to announce his retirement from football later this Wednesday.
This is sequel to his lingering heart problems. Sports Village Square recalls that the problem manifested in the November 2017 friendly match Argentina had with Nigeria in which the player had to be rushed to the hospital at half time.
He had since been diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia after experiencing chest pains 41 minutes into his first start for Barcelona last month.
The striker was initially told to rest for three months, but according to Spanish publication, Marca, Aguero is now planning to step away from football permanently at just 33 years old.
Aguero joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer from Manchester City and was making his first start for his new club against Alaves when he experienced chest pains.
The striker required on-pitch medical attention shortly before half-time having complained of dizziness.
There was growing distress in the stadium as Aguero lay flat on pitch, having gone down moments after he had his hand placed on his chest.
Barca’s medical staff rushed on the pitch to assist Aguero and looked to place him on a stretcher, before the striker eventually got up and slowly walked off the pitch unaided.
The Argentinian spent then next two days in hospital and was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia after undergoing several tests.
He was subsequently told to rest for three months while ‘the effectiveness of treatment is evaluated’.
However, it has now been revealed that the severity of his condition was greater than first thought.
As a result, Aguero will reportedly announce his retirement from football at a special ceremony at the club on Wednesday.
Speaking after the incident took place, Aguero thanked the Barcelona supporters for the messages of support he had received.
Aguero said: ‘Hey Culers! Sending you all a big hug! Thank you for all the messages of support. Now it’s time to recover and wait for more news. Sending you all a big hug.’
The incident also prompted an outpouring of support at his former club Manchester City.
Among those to send their well wishes was manager Pep Guardiola. He said: ‘I spoke with his agent.
‘It’s difficult news for him and his family. We wish him well from all our people. Our chairman, we wish him a safe recovery. Health and life more important than anything else.
‘He is in good hands, he takes care of himself, we wish him a safe recovery and come back if he can – otherwise enjoy his life and what he has done. Be careful and be safe for the rest of his life.’
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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