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Lionel Messi reflects on his "beautiful sporting rivalry" with Cristiano Ronaldo
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has characterized his long-standing competition with Cristiano Ronaldo as a "beautiful sporting rivalry." Messi stated that their rivalry was driven by ambition and competition, not personal animosity. The two players dominated global football for over a decade while playing for FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. Messi explained that their relationship was always good and respectful, and any competition was purely athletic. He noted that they rarely met outside of matches or award ceremonies and were always on good terms. Messi acknowledged that constant comparisons between them were inevitable as they consistently broke records and won trophies. The Argentine captain emphasized that their relationship remained respectful despite intense on-field competition. Messi now looks back on that era with pride and appreciation, describing it as a period that helped define modern football.
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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun was screened by the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress on Friday for the party’s primaries for the Ogun East Senatorial District. This information was shared in a Facebook post by Emmanuel Ojo, Senior Special Assistant to Ogun Governor on New Media. The screening, conducted by the APC NWC Screening Committee at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, is part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. Abiodun stated that his aspiration is driven by a desire to deepen development and effective representation for Ogun East, reaffirming his commitment to quality representation, grassroots development, economic growth, and sustained progress. He also expressed appreciation to party leaders and stakeholders for their support and commitment to the APC's ideals. The screening is an internal APC procedure to vet aspirants for elective positions. Abiodun assured the committee of his readiness to serve with responsibility, experience, and integrity. His screening follows his adoption as a consensus candidate for the Ogun East senatorial race during an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where party leaders, including former Senator Lekan Mustapha, backed him. Abiodun had previously submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, indicating his intention to transition to the legislative arm of government after his current tenure. He has stated his administration will
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