By Emeka Blast 
Al Nassr, Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Kicks Off Preseason in Lagos
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has landed in Lagos, Nigeria, with his Al Nassr teammates, marking a historic first for the Saudi Pro League giants as they kick off their 2025/26 preseason camp in Africa. The squad, including new signing João Félix and star forward Sadio Mané, arrived on Monday, August 4, 2025, to a rapturous welcome from Nigerian fans, eager to see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in action. The move, announced by Al Nassr on X with the caption “Lisbon chapter closed, Lagos chapter loading,” signals an ambitious preparation for the upcoming Saudi Super Cup clash against Al Ittihad and the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season.
The decision to host the camp in Lagos, a departure from their earlier training stints in Austria and Lisbon, Portugal, underscores Al Nassr’s aim to tap into Nigeria’s vibrant football culture and expand their global fanbase. The team is based at the Eko Hotel and Suites, with training sessions at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, secured with 16 personal bodyguards for Ronaldo due to his global stature. The camp focuses on building team chemistry, sharpening tactics under new coach Jorge Jesus, and integrating high-profile signings like Félix, who joined from Chelsea for €30 million. Al Nassr’s recent 2-1 friendly win over French club Toulouse, where Ronaldo scored, has set an optimistic tone for the Lagos leg.
Lagos, Nigeria’s football-crazed economic hub, erupted in excitement, with fans lining the streets to catch a glimpse of Ronaldo, whose 900 career goals and record-breaking 35-goal haul in the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League season cement his legend status. Local fan @NaijaGist tweeted, “CR7 in Lagos?! This is bigger than the Super Eagles! Welcome, Ronaldo! #AlNassrInLagos,” while @EagleEyeNG posted, “Ronaldo, Mané, and Félix in Nigeria? Teslim Balogun Stadium is about to be lit!” The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) welcomed the team, with President Ibrahim Gusau stating, “Having Al Nassr and Ronaldo in Lagos elevates our football profile. It’s a proud moment for Nigeria.”
The camp includes rigorous training sessions and a friendly match scheduled against Enyimba FC, Nigeria’s nine-time league champions, on August 8 at the Eko Atlantic Sports Complex. Coach Jesus, known for his tactical discipline, emphasized the need for “peak physical and competitive form” ahead of the Saudi Super Cup semifinal on August 14. The presence of Félix, who trained with Ronaldo in Austria, has sparked buzz about their potential chemistry, with reports suggesting Ronaldo played a key role in convincing his compatriot to join Al Nassr for a 2026 World Cup push.
However, the visit hasn’t been without controversy. Some fans, like @TruthSeekerNG, questioned the cost of hosting Al Nassr, tweeting, “Ronaldo’s security alone must cost millions. Why Lagos when we have local clubs struggling?” Others see it as a boost for tourism and youth football, with the Lagos State Government partnering with Al Nassr to host coaching clinics for young players. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated, “Ronaldo’s presence inspires our youth and showcases Lagos as a global sports destination.”
Al Nassr’s Lagos camp follows their European tour, where they trained in Saalfelden, Austria, and Lisbon, Portugal, but faced logistical challenges, including forcing German club Hannover 96 to relocate due to Ronaldo’s security needs. The team’s arrival in Nigeria also aligns with their pursuit of additional signings, with Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella rumored as a target, though his move remains unlikely. After Lagos, Al Nassr will return to Saudi Arabia before heading to Hong Kong for the Super Cup.
