Football
Egypt, Nigeria in quarter-finals of CAF
Egypt and Nigeria booked their places in the quarter-finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Benin 3-1 and Mozambique 4-0 respectively tonight.
Well organised and fearless, the Cheetahs caused Egypt serious problems in the first half. Solid defensively and dangerous on the counter-attack, Benin relied on the energy of Aloko, Olaitan and Dossou, while goalkeeper Dandjinou produced several crucial saves. Egypt, despite the presence of Mohamed Salah, struggled to find space and went into the break unable to break the deadlock.
After the restart, the Pharaohs gradually increased the tempo. In the 69th minute, Marwan Attia opened the scoring with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, finishing off a move initiated down the right by Mohamed Salah. Benin refused to surrender and, in the 83rd minute, Jodel Dossou capitalised on a defensive error to equalise and force extra time.
In the additional time, Egypt’s experience eventually proved decisive. In the 97th minute, Yasser Ibrahim restored Egypt’s lead with a looping header from a cross delivered from the right flank. Benin attempted to respond, committing their remaining energy forward, but were left exposed late on.
In the closing moments of the match, Mohamed Salah put the result beyond doubt by finishing a counter-attack to score Egypt’s third goal and seal the Pharaohs’ qualification.
Composed when it mattered most, Egypt continue their journey in the competition, while Benin exit with pride after a courageous display against one of the tournament favourites. The Pharaohs will face the winner of the tie between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso in the quarter-final.
In the meantime. Nigeria delivered a commanding display in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, dismantling Mozambique 4–0 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès to secure their place in the quarter‑finals. The Super Eagles were clinical from the first whistle, showcasing attacking firepower and tactical cohesion against a Mozambique side making their AFCON knockout debut.
WAM
Football
Turkish football club distributes Iftar meals in Gaza
Turkish football club MKE Ankaragücü organized iftar distributions in Gaza, delivering meals to 1,500 children as part of its Ramadan campaign to support those in need.
MKE Ankaragucu, a Turkish football club which is currently playing in the TFF 2. Lig, has organized iftar distributions in Gaza as part of its ongoing campaign to help people in need in the Palestinian enclave.
In an official statement on its social media channels, MKE Ankaragucu reiterated its commitment to reminding children facing hardship in Palestine and elsewhere that they are not forgotten during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, while calling for greater support and participation.
The announcement included video footage documenting the distribution of iftar packages to 1,500 children in Gaza.
Turkish football clubs have shown widespread tribune solidarity during matches, with fans displaying banners, Palestinian flags, and messages of support.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced that the Gaza ceasefire has more than doubled monthly food aid compared to before the truce, with coordinated efforts continuing under improved access as of late February 2026.
Amid harsh winter and displacement, one million people are receiving full assistance packages that include food parcels, hot Ramadan iftar meals, fresh bread, and cash transfers.
A News
Football
Will Cristiano Ronaldo reach 1,000 goals at 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo netted a brace as Al Nassr swept Al Hazem 4-0, a result that sent the Saudi club to the top of the Pro League table. The performance also pushed the 41-year-old’s personal tally to 964 career goals — just 36 away from the iconic 1,000-goal mark.
That night also brought another historic moment as Ronaldo became the first player in history to score 500 goals after the age of 30. To appreciate just how extraordinary that is, fewer than 30 players across the entire history of professional football have scored 500 goals in their careers.
Naturally, the question on everyone’s lips is when will the Portuguese superstar reach the four figures. And the most romantic possibility would be at this summer’s World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For Ronaldo, the tournament carries extra weight. By stepping onto the pitch, he will become the first player ever to appear in six World Cups, a milestone he’ll share with Argentine star Lionel Messi, though Ronaldo was already a centrepiece of Portugal’s 2006 campaign while Messi was still finding his feet at the senior level.
The prospect of goal No 1,000 arriving on the World Cup stage is the stuff of footballing fairy tales — and Ronaldo himself has acknowledged it during a recent interview. “You’ve been watching too many movies — that would be way too perfect,” he said, before adding: “Goals are always good to score. I want to play in this next World Cup; otherwise, I wouldn’t be here. But one step at a time. If those numbers did come true, I’d end my career on a high.”
From a practical standpoint, the math makes the World Cup milestone difficult. Between now and the tournament, Al Nassr are expected to play roughly 20 official matches, excluding friendlies and potential squad rotation. If Portugal make a deep run, Ronaldo could feature in up to seven or eight World Cup matches — giving him approximately 25 to 30 games before and during the tournament, assuming no injuries.
Impressive form
To reach 1,000 goals before or during the World Cup, Ronaldo would need to average at least one goal per game — possibly more. That requirement exceeds his current scoring rate of roughly 0.74 goals per match, according to ESPN stats.
His recent form is impressive but it also tempers expectations. Across his last 20 matches, he has scored 15 goals, but that doesn’t match the kind of explosive run required to close a 36-goal gap in such a short span.
Historically, Ronaldo has scored just eight goals across five World Cup tournaments, which further highlights the challenge. For the milestone to happen on football’s biggest stage, he would need an extraordinary run of form.
A more realistic projection lies in his typical yearly output. Ronaldo has averaged around 40 goals per calendar year throughout his career. Based on that trend, the most logical window for goal No. 1,000 appears to be late 2026 or early 2027 — rather than at the World Cup itself.
GN
Football
Cristiano Ronaldo wishes fans ‘Ramadan Kareem’
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo wished his fans Ramadan Kareem on Tuesday.
The UAE confirmed the official start date of Ramadan will begin on February 18.
Recently, Ronaldo marked his first match since turning 41 in the best possible way, scoring in Al Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al Fateh on Saturday at the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium.
The victory keeps Al Nassr firmly in the Saudi Pro League title race. They are now just one point behind leaders Al Hilal after game week 21.
Making his return to the starting eleven after missing three matches amid a dispute with club management, Ronaldo wasted little time reminding everyone of his value.
In the 18th minute, Sadio Mane delivered a sharp cross into the box and Ronaldo met it first time, guiding the ball into the bottom right corner. It was a calm and clinical finish, the kind that has defined his career for more than two decades.
Al Nassr controlled most of the game after taking the lead. They sealed the win in the 78th minute when Ayman Yahya struck a fine second goal to secure all three points for the visitors.
Al Nassr will aim to extend their winning streak when they face Al Hazem on February 21. With Ronaldo back among the goals and fully focused on football again, the Riyadh giants remain the biggest challenge to Al Hilal in the race for the Saudi Pro League crown.
GN
-
Discover1 month agoIs February 2026 really a once-in -283-years MiracleIn?
-
Football2 months agoAlgeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire win AFCON 2025 openers
-
Health3 months agoBascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi and Emirates Society of Ophthalmology Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement
-
Health2 months agoNMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City, performs rare wrist salvage, restoring function for young patient
-
Health4 months agoEmirates Society of Colorectal Surgery Concludes the 3rd International Congress Under the Leadership of Dr. Sara Al Bastaki
-
Football3 months agoGlobe Soccer Awards 2025 nominees announced as voting opens in Dubai
-
Health4 months agoBorn Too Soon: Understanding Premature Birth and the Power of Modern NICU Care
-
Health2 months agoDecline in Birth Rate in the UAE
