Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has tried to convince Israel Adesanya to make an early return from his UFC break when both athletes met in Saudi.

The former two-time middleweight champion confirmed plans for a lengthy break from active competition until potentially 2027 at the earliest following his September title loss.

However, on Saturday, Adesanya appeared to have his interested piqued by a planned UFC debut in Saudi Arabia in March of next year and hinted at a potential comeback.

The Nigerian-born fighter was part of the hosts of celebrities and high-profile athletes hosted by the Saudi Arabian organisers and promoters of the blockbuster heavyweight boxing clash between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.

Adesanya ran into Ronaldo at the event and the two had a wholesome interaction that included the Al Nassr striker urging the UFC star to fight on the upcoming UFC card in the country.

Ronaldo urged ‘The Last Stylebender’ to fight in the recently announced first-ever UFC event in Saudi Arabia in March 2024.

According to Sportskeeda, CR7 claimed to have seen the card and asked why Adesanya was not on it, and ‘Izzy’s attempts at explaining his hiatus fell flat as he embraced the former Real Madrid man and seemed to be open to the idea telling Ronaldo that if he didn’t fight, he would come watch.

Appearing to already backtrack on his hiatus away from the sport of mixed martial arts, Adesanya claimed he was tempted by a potential feature at the fight in Saudi Arabia next year.

“I appreciate the love from greats who recognize the realness!” Israel Adesanya posted on his official X account. “ Saudi Arabia in March… tempting hahaha.”

He had admitted in October that taking on a number of fights over the past year to get the most out of MMA during his career had caught up to him.

“Four fights in the last 14 months, it takes a toll on your body,’ he said, noting that he had seen the doctors and done specialist tests to get himself back ready for fighting.

“I’m just going to take my time to heal, and then when I come back, f**king run for the hills,” the 34-year-old said.

In the 2023/24 season, Nigerian footballers have been making headlines across various leagues, showcasing their exceptional talent and proving themselves as key players for their respective teams. From Serie A to the Premier League, from the Bundesliga to the Saudi Women’s League, these Nigerian athletes have been nothing short of remarkable.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout performers who have soared to new heights and are making their marks this season

Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga)

Leverkusen’s best signing of the summer and possibly the best signing in Europe beaten perhaps by only Jude Bellingham, Boniface has been in fine form for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions.

The most in-form Nigerian in Europe, Boniface has been the most exciting youngster in the Bundesliga, picking up the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month awards for August and September.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Serie A)

Osimhen has been in fine form for Napoli, scoring six goals in eight appearances in the Serie A. He has picked up his form from last season when he secured the Italian league golden boot award.

The 24-year-old has forged a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting strikers after scoring 26 goals in 32 league games last season as Napoli secured their first Serie A title since 1990.

Although, sidelined with an injury he suffered on international duty in a friendly against Saudi Arabia in October, the Nigeria international is still joint-second on the Serie A topscorers list behind only Lautaro Martinez who has scored 11.

Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, Premier League)

Awoniyi has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest, with five goal contributions in eight appearances in the English Premier League. The 26-year-old has scored three goals and also chipped in with two assists.

Last season, Awoniyi was pivotal as the Tricky Trees avoided relegation scoring 10 goals and providing one assist in 27 appearances. The forward has hit the ground running again this season and is proving to be a valuable asset for Nottingham Forest.

Akor Adams (Montpellier Herault, Ligue 1)

Adams has been a standout performer for Montpellier Herault and has hit the ground running in Ligue 1 since his €4.5m move from Lillestrom in the summer.

With seven goals in 10 league appearances, the former Nigeria U-20 striker is second only to France captain, Kylian Mbappe, who comfortably sits at the top of the scoring chart with 10 goals from nine appearances.

With Nigeria initiating their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month, against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, and star striker Osimhen recovering from an injury, there is a possibility for Adams to receive his first call-up from Eagles coach Jose Peseiro.

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, Championship)

Ndidi has been a consistent performer for Leicester City, playing a crucial role in the team’s midfield. Playing in a more advanced No.8 role under Enzo Maresca has seen the Nigerian midfielder become more of a creative force for the Foxes.

After 12 league games this season, Ndidi has contributed four goals (three assists and a goal) for the Foxes. Only Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Kelechi Iheanacho, Jamie Vardy and Kasey McAteer have more goal contributions than the former Genk midfielder this season.

In the EFL Cup, Ndidi also contributed to three goals in three games with two goals and one assist.

Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, Championship)

Iheanacho has been in fine form for Leicester City, scoring six goals in 17 appearances across all competitions. He has also contributed two assists and has been a key player for the team.

Last season, Iheanacho scored five goals and provided five assists in 28 appearances in the Premier League as the Foxes were relegated. However, he has been a bright spark in the team leading their return to the English topflight.

Moses Simon (Nantes FC, Ligue 1)

Simon has been a key player for FC Nantes this season, with two goals and five assists in 10 appearances in the French Ligue 1. The 28-year-old was named Nantes’ Player of the Month for October after he won a vote by the fans of the Canaries.

With 39.67% of the votes, Simon saw off competition from Florent Mollet (28.6%), Pedro Chirivella (20.75%) and Marcus Coco ((10.98%).) to claim Nantes’ Player of the Month prize.

According to stats from the official website of the Ligue 1,  Simon has notched five assists in 805 minutes of action, the best in the French top flight this term, together with Florian Sotoca (Lens) and Caio Henrique (Monaco).

Gift Orban (Gent, Belgian First Division A)

Orban has been impressive for Gent, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances in the Belgian Pro League and has been nominated in the Young Player of the Year category of the upcoming CAF Awards.

The 21-year-old forward joined the Buffalos from Norwegian lower-tier side Stabaek in January, and he has been a revelation since then. Orban has registered 27 goals and two assists in 38 games for Gent.

Alex Iwobi (Fulham, Premier League)

Iwobi has been a consistent performer for Fulham, playing a crucial role in the team’s midfield. He has made nine appearances in the Premier League this season with two for Everton before his deadline day move to the Coattagers.

Iwobi has shown bright sparks with his dribbling and aggressive ball-carrying and has also found the back of the net once in two Carabao Cup appearances.

Tobias Lawal (LASK, Austrian Bundesliga)

Lawal has been very impressive for his Austrian Bundelisga side, LASK. Despite not having the best of protection in defence, Lawal has kept six clean sheets while conceding only seven goals from 12 games.

The 23-year-old stands at 1.95m with great agility, command in the air and the ability to use his feet very well. These strengths came to the fore in a 3-1 Europa League loss to Liverpool where he had a very decent showing.

Noah Atubolu (Freiburg, Bundesliga)

Atubolu has been a consistent performer for Freiburg, playing a crucial role as the number one shotstopper. Overall he’s featured in 12 matches this season, conceding 19 goals and keeping four clean sheets.

Bundesliga.com hints at similarities between the up-and-coming goalie with Germany great Manuel Neuer.

“We’re not saying the Freiburg youngster is the ‘next Manuel Neuer’ — the Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper-revolutionary is arguably the game’s greatest-ever in his position — but there are some similarities,” the website stated.

Ashleigh Plumptre (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Women’s League)

Plumptre has been a standout performer for Al-Ittihad as one of the best players in the defence for the Saudi side.

She began her Ittihad career in stunning style, scoring a hat-trick on debut against Dammam’s Eastern Flames FC. Three games into the season, Ittihad sit top of the eight-team table after drawing their second match 2-2 with Al Qadsiah and winning their third game on Friday 1-0 over Al Shabab.

She became the fourth Nigerian to score a hat-trick in Saudi after Rashidi Yekini, Ahmed Musa, and Odion Ighalo.

Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, NWSL)

Alozie has been in superb form for Houston Dash, scoring four goals in 17 appearances in the National Women’s Soccer League. She has also contributed one assist and has been a key player for the team.

Alozie’s talents took centre stage at 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The 26-year-old was part of a Nigerian team that defeated Australia and outplayed finalists England in the round of 16 stage though they eventually lost on penalties to the Three Lionesses.

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, Division 1 Feminine)

Nnadozie has been one of the shining stars for Paris FC in goal making penalty saves across all competitions. She has made five appearances in Division 1 Feminine this season and has saved three penalties this season.

In October, Nnnadozie helped Paris FC make history after guiding them to the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the first time with an impressive performance to knock out last season’s runners-up Wolfsburg 2-0.

The 22-year-old shots-stopper denied Dominique Janssen from the spot as the French side held on to the win.

In September also, in the first round of the playoffs, Nnadozie also superbly stopped two spot kicks in the shootout win against Arsenal.

Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico de Madrid, Primera Division)

Ajibade has been in fine form for Atletico de Madrid and the Nigeria national team. Ajibade captained the Super Falcons over the two legs of the Olympic qualifiers against Ethiopia, and she did not disappoint.

The 23-year-old scored the equaliser to earn Nigeria a 1-1 draw in the first leg. She then scored a brace in the second leg to secure a 4-0 win as Nigeria advanced in the qualifiers.

In August, Ajibade was also pivotal as Atletico Madrid beat AC Milan Feminine 1-0 to emerge victorious in the Women’s Cup final. Ajibade provided the crucial assist to Santos in added time, who clinched the title for Atletico Madrid.

Novak Djokovic rallied to defeat Andrey Rublev 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 in a gripping Paris Masters semi-final on Saturday, earning a shot at a record-extending seventh title in the final against Grigor Dimitrov.

The world number one relied on his unflinching powers of recovery to work his way back from a set down before sealing victory when fifth seed Rublev doubled-faulted on match point.

“Rublev was suffocating me like a snake suffocates a frog for most of the match,” said Djokovic.

“He was playing an extremely high level that he possesses, but today he was off the charts, honestly. I don’t think I’ve ever faced Rublev this good.”

Djokovic remains undefeated in nine semi-final appearances at Bercy and stretched his winning run to 17 matches — a streak which includes his record-tying 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open.

His only defeat in his last 31 matches was a five-set loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, which ruined his bid for a calendar Grand Slam.

Djokovic broke to start the match only for Rublev to hit back the next game, drawing a loose backhand from the Serbian at the end of a lengthy rally.

The top seed produced some clutch serving to escape a 0-40 hole to hold for 4-4, but Rublev took his next opportunity with Djokovic trying to stay in the set.

Rublev punished a weak second serve to bring up set point, and he soon surged ahead as Djokovic botched a drop shot attempt.

Djokovic fought off a break point early in the second set but failed to convert any of his four opportunities against a resilient Rublev.

The 36-year-old clung on to win a gruelling point dictated by Rublev to move 4-2 up in the tie-break, then ripped a return winner off his rival’s serve to produce three set points.

He only needed one, belting an ace out wide to send the match to a third set.

Djokovic received treatment on his back between sets but did not appear to be hindered as he carved out two break points in the fourth game. Rublev resisted until Djokovic cranked up the pressure with the Russian serving to stay in the match.

Djokovic cracked a sensational backhand winner to start the final game and imposed his will against a faltering Rublev, who hurled his racquet in disgust after a double fault sealed his fate.

“I think getting to this final means a lot more to me than some, I think even some moments, some big moments in my career.”

It was just Dimitrov’s second win in eight meetings with Tsitsipas, who had yet to lose a set in making the last four at Bercy for the second year running.

In the last few weeks, the 32-year-old Dimitrov has reached the semi-final in Chengdu, a quarter-final in Beijing and the semi-finals of the Masters event in Shanghai.

His path to the last four of the Paris indoor event included a shock defeat of world number three Daniil Medvedev in the second round, avenging his loss to the Russian last week in Vienna.

Dimitrov, who lost to Djokovic in the semi-finals in Paris in 2019, won his only Masters title in Cincinnati in 2017 — the same year he won the season-ending ATP Finals.

WBC silver heavyweight champion Efe Ajagba got his revenge over Joe Goodall in their rematch on Sunday.

The hard-hitting Nigerian heavyweight contender stopped Australia’s Goodall in the fourth round of their 10-round main event at Tahoe Blue Event Center in Stateline, Nevada.

Referee Tony Weeks stopped their fight 50 seconds into the fourth round because Goodall had taken too many unanswered punches.

Ajagba improved his record to 19-1 and produced his 14th knockout. Brisbane’s Goodall (10-2-1, 9 KOs), who was still standing when their fight ended, lost inside the distance for the first time during his five-year pro career.

Ajagba avenged his split-decision defeat to Goodall at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Goodall came into their fight after producing his most noteworthy professional win, a sixth-round stoppage of Stephan Shaw on July 22 at FireLake Arena in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Shaw (18-2, 13 KOs) went the distance with Ajagba in his previous fight, a 10-rounder that Ajagba won by unanimous decision on January 14 in Verona, New York.

Ajagba drilled Goodall with a right hand that wobbled Goodall about 35 seconds into the fourth round. Sensing that Goodall was ready to go, Ajagba unloaded an array of power punches that made the referee step between them to spare Goodall from taking unnecessary punishment.

Ajagba has now successfully defended his WBC title for the first time as he continues to build his name in the heavyweight division.

Victor Boniface delivered a brilliant performance for Bayer Leverkusen as they claimed a hard-fought 3-2 win over TSG Hoffenheim to remain top of the Bundesliga standings.

Coming into the match, Bayer Leverkusen were aware that they needed to win to stay top, with rivals Bayern Munich set to face Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker.

The league leaders needed only nine minutes to open the scoring, with Victor Boniface creating the goal brilliantly. The 22-year-old received the ball on the edge of the box before losing his markers with a swivel and driving to the byline before laying a pass into the six-yard box for Florian Wirtz to tap home the opener.

With the first half nearing its conclusion, Xabi Alonso’s side found a second goal, this time from Alejandro Grimaldo in added time.

Hoffenheim came out guns blazing for the second half, and pulled one back in the 56th minute through Anton Stach.

Two minutes later, they drew level as former Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst scored to bring his side back on terms from two goals down.

Bayer Leverkusen were not prepared to drop points, and Boniface played a crucial part in his side scoring the winner. The striker held up the ball brilliantly before picking a fine pass to Grimaldo, who fired one into the top corner from the edge of the box in the 70th minute.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta criticized the VAR decision that contributed to his team’s defeat at Newcastle, maintaining that there were multiple issues with the outcome.

“I have praised my players for the way they played and competed in this stadium against this team. The result should not be what it is — there are many reasons for that,” Arteta stated.

One of the contentious incidents leading to Newcastle’s 1-0 victory was the legality of Aaron Gordon‘s 64th-minute goal. Arsenal players and management expressed their concerns over the decision.

He noted the high stakes involved in Premier League matches and his personal frustration, considering his two decades in the country.

“If there was a team looking to win the game today it was Arsenal. Embarrassing what happened — how this goal stands, in the Premier League — this league we say is the best in the world.

“I’ve been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It’s a disgrace and there’s too much at stake here. We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week.

“When we’re not good enough I hold my hands up and take responsibility.

“The outcome is nowhere near the level this league needs to have and the way this league is getting competed in. It’s not good enough. I feel embarrassed to be part of this.”

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya also expressed his frustration with the VAR decision. He believed that the ball had gone out of play and raised concerns about a potential foul on Gabriel Magalhaes by Joelinton.

“We are all frustrated. My point of view is I saw the ball going out of play. I think it is a foul on Gabriel, he [Joelinton] pushes him on the back and the decision was it wasn’t a foul.

“I don’t think it was supposed to go that way. And in my opinion, it was offside. We are very, very disappointed.”

The defeat ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the league.

Super Eagles’ trio Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi and Samuel Chukwueze may be ready for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe per reports from the players’ respective clubs.

The players are doubts with injury for the upcoming games in November 2023 but may just return earlier than expected.

VICTOR OSIMHEN: 2022/2023 Italian Serie A top-scorer Victor Osimhen has been out since suffering a muscular problem during Nigeria’s International friendly game vs Saudi Arabia in October.

On Friday, November 2, Napoli SSC manager Rudi Gacia said that he expects to have Osimhen at his disposal as soon as this week.

“The doctors manage and guarantee me that he is following the programme. He will be with us next week.”

That will be after he returns from a trip to Nigeria , where he is reportedly expected to handle personal issues.

Chances are slim that he will be rushed back for the Super Eagles engagements on November 16th and 20th.

SAMUEL CHUKWEZE: The AC Milan winger suffered a hamstring injury in the same international break as Osimhen.

Chukwueze has missed AC Milan’s league games against Juventus and Napoli and was supposed to be out for at least a month.

In a remarkable turn of events, AC Milan manager, Stephan Pioli gave update ahead of his side’s Serie A clas vs Udinese that the Super Eagles forward has recovered earlier than expected.

“Loftus-Cheek is well and will be available against Udinese, while Pulisic, Chukwueze and Kjær should return against PSG (on Tuesday),” Pioli told AC Milan’s official website.

TAIWO AWONIYI: Unlike Osimhen and Chukwueze, awoniyi was not available for the Super Eagles during the last International break.

Last week, he returned to Nottingham Forest’s first team as a substitute in their 0-3 loss to Liverpool and is expected to be eased gradually into the team’s programme, beginning with today’s clash with Aston Villa.

The striker was not fit enough to start against Liverpool, but he came off the bench in the Reds’ 3-0 defeat.

“Taiwo is a player we have to manage. He’s in a bit of a complex situation with his injury. It’s an ongoing one, and it will be for a little while,” Nottingham Forest Head Coach Steve Cooper said ahead of the game vs Aston Villa.

“It’s frustrating, for him more than anyone else. He was doing so well and this has really held him back.

“It’s not been as simple as he’s back training and he’s fully fit. It’s something that is going to be a managing process for a little bit of time now.

“We’ll see if he is available for the weekend. We hope he is, but it could go either way.”

He added: “I am not sure that he will need surgery down the line, but it is not a straightforward injury, it has also aggravated an injury he had last year. He can have indifferent days (with the injury) and it is an annoying one for him”.

“It is something we will have to take day-by-day. He has good support around him, in terms of the medical staff we have, and hopefully he will be able to play more often than not.”

NIGERIA’S FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION JOURNEY: The Jose Peseiro tutored Super Eagles team will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification journey vs Lesotho on November 16.

Matchday two pits the Eagles vs the Warriors of Zimbabwe on November 19.

The Nigeria National team player-roster for both games is yet to be announced.

Former Super Eagles skipper, Kanu Nwankwo has announced a 300 thousand naira Infinix powered Enyimba FC player of the month prize.

The former Arsenal FC striker who was appointed Chairman of Enyimba FC by the Alex Otti led Abia State government says he is determined to make Enyimba the best club and motivate his players to deliver excellent performances.

Kanu Nwankwo a “FIFA Ambassador” has successfully secured a deal with Infinx phone makers to reward players for man of the match and player of the month.

Disclosing the exciting motivational break through to Enyimba Media, Kanu said the players welfare and their motivation remains a priority to his administration noting that he is always willing to ensure that they get the best of treatment so they can be at their best during games.

“Starting from our home game this Sunday against Kwara United, we would start rewarding man of the match in our games.

“The deal with our partners sponsoring the award will see the winner getting an Infinx phone worth about three hundred thousand naira (N300,000) for every of our home games.

“Same gesture will also be given to the player that will emerge as the player of the month every month.

“We would continue to motivate the players with the best standard practice as is obtainable in Europe.

“The team has gone through some patch parts in the past weeks but with the away draw in Kaduna against Niger Tornadoes, they boys need all the motivation to get the job done against Kwara United in Aba and that’s what we are doing.

“The result in Kaduna was a good reaction to what happened in the continental games and with this kind of push the the boys can get us back to the continent with a good run in the league this season.