Cristiano Ronaldo could miss at least the opening game of the 2026 World Cup after receiving a red card for violent conduct during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.

As reported by ESPN on Thursday, the Al Nassr forward was shown a yellow card initially in the 61st minute for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea.

Still, after a review via VAR, the referee upgraded the decision to a red card. It was Ronaldo’s first red card for Portugal in his 226th international appearance, setting a record in men’s football, though he has been sent off 13 times at club level.

Following FIFA disciplinary rules, Ronaldo faces a mandatory one-match ban in competitive fixtures.

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The regulations state that violent conduct could result in a ban of “at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing.”

The ban would apply to competitive games and cannot be served in pre-tournament friendlies.

Portugal went into the game knowing a win would secure their place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but two goals from Troy Parrott stunned the visitors.

Despite the loss, Portugal still leads Hungary by two points in Group F, meaning a win against Armenia on Sunday will ensure Ronaldo reaches his sixth World Cup.

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Before the game, Ronaldo acknowledged the challenge of playing at the Aviva Stadium, where he expected to face boos from Irish fans.

He said, “I really like the fans here. The support they give to the national team it’s lovely. For me, it’s a pleasure to come and play here again. Of course, it will be tough. I hope they don’t boo me too much tomorrow. I swear that I’m going to try to be a good boy.”

After being sent off, Ronaldo was seen reacting to the crowd’s jeers with a wry expression, clapping his hands and giving two thumbs up in a gesture interpreted as sarcastic.

Ronaldo’s red card came after previous controversies with Irish fans, including accusations in the reverse fixture of having undue influence over the match official when Rúben Neves scored a last-minute winner against Ireland.

Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen has shrugged off criticism over missed chances, saying, “Sometimes I score, sometimes I miss.”

The Super Eagles forward, who scored twice in the 4-1 win over Gabon, acknowledged the pressure of playing for his country and club, Al Nassr, but emphasised his ability to stay composed and correct mistakes.

In a video shared on Thursday on Instagram by sports journalist @iamcalisports, Osimhen explained that as a professional striker, he has learned to stay composed regardless of missed opportunities.

He said, “Sometimes I score the goal that no one believes and sometimes I lose the one that people think I’m going to score. But that doesn’t take away… I always have this mentality.”

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Osimhen, who missed two clear chances in the second half, made up for it by scoring in extra time. He emphasised the importance of quickly correcting mistakes.

“At first, I told them I’m sorry, and I told them I’m going to correct it in extra time. And I’m happy I did it.”

Osimhen also praised his teammates’ support and the collective team spirit, saying, “Kudos to the guys who gave me the assist to score those two goals. I’m happy about the mentality of the team, all of us.”

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He thanked fans for their encouragement, noting, “Thank you also to so many Super Eagles fans all over the world who have scored with us, who have gone through it all with us. This win is also for them.”

Looking ahead, Osimhen acknowledged that the next round will be challenging, but pledged, “The next round is not going to be easy either. We will give everything to make sure that we go to the final.”

Osimhen scored twice as the Super Eagles defeated the Panthers of Gabon 4-1 in extra time on Thursday at Stade Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco. After a goalless first half, Akor Adams put Nigeria ahead, Gabon equalised late in the second half, and in extra time, Chidera Ejuke and Osimhen’s two goals sealed the victory.

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The second edition of Comprehending Gen Z + Gen A with the theme “My Body and Boundaries” held on Friday in Benin City drew wide commendation for its bold approach to youth empowerment, inclusion, and personal safety.

Sponsored by the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Senator Neda Imasuen, the event gathered students, policymakers, and child advocates to discuss the importance of body autonomy, consent, and mutual respect among young people.

In his keynote address, Senator Imasuen said this year’s edition took “a bold step towards inclusion” by addressing both the boy and girl child, stressing that understanding one’s body and personal boundaries was critical to building a just society.

“Our theme ‘My Body and Boundaries’ is not merely a slogan — it is a call to awareness, respect, and responsibility,” he declared.

“The girl child must know that her body is hers, not a tool for validation, exploitation, or control. The boy child must equally learn that true strength lies in respect, empathy, and protection, not dominance or entitlement.”

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He urged parents, teachers, traditional rulers, and policymakers to work together to nurture a new generation that honours their bodies and respects others.

“When we educate, empower, and protect all our children, we build families that are stable, communities that are peaceful, and a nation that is strong and just,” Imasuen said.

Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Edo State Office of the First Lady underscored the importance of setting moral and behavioural boundaries in an age where exposure and peer pressure often mislead the youth. She lamented that both boys and girls have fallen victim to sexual assault because of ignorance and lack of awareness.

“Anything that happens without your consent is rape,” she stated. “It doesn’t matter the gender — boys rape boys now, women rape boys, women rape women. Anyone who touches you inappropriately has crossed your boundary, and it is not acceptable.”

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She cautioned students against cultism, drug abuse, and indecent dressing, noting that Edo State has strict laws against cult-related activities.

On his part, Dr Osigbovo Eriamiantoe of the University of Benin Health Centre advised young people to take their mental health seriously, warning that substance abuse and cultism were leading triggers of depression and violence.

Representing the Edo State Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Permanent Secretary, Iryn Omoroguiwa commended the initiative as a “significant step towards empowering young people” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing safe spaces for youth engagement and personal development.

Impact advocate, Dr Owen Omo-Ojo, founder of HIGH Health Consultant, added that setting and defending personal boundaries “is not rudeness but courage, an act of self-awareness and self-respect.”

The event featured a talk show, drama performances, and the presentation of gifts to participating schools. It ended with a resounding message: empowering the younger generation through knowledge, confidence, and respect is the surest path to building a safe and balanced society.