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Lutheran Church of Norway apologises to gay community for past discrimination

The Lutheran Church of Norway on Thursday apologised to the country’s LGBTQ community, at a gay pub in Oslo, for the discrimination and harassment it subjected them to in the past.

“The Church of Norway inflicted shame, serious harm and pain on gay people,” said Olav Fykse Tveit, presiding bishop of the Church of Norway, in a speech at the London Pub, a prominent venue for the gay community.

“It should never have happened and to them I say today: I’m sorry,” he said, acknowledging that the “discrimination, unequal treatment and harassment” caused some to lose their faith.

In the 1950s, the church said gay people were a “global social danger” and qualified their acts as “perverse and despicable.”

Over time, the Church of Norway — which has 3.4 million members, representing over 60 percent of the Norwegian population — has adopted a more liberal approach.

It has allowed gay pastors since 2007 and religious unions for same-sex couples since 2017.

Thursday’s apology was “strong and important” but comes “too late for those of us who died of AIDS … with hearts filled with anguish because the church considered the epidemic to be God’s punishment,” said Stephen Adom, leader of Norway’s Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity.

“We are seeing a populist and conservative Christian wave sweeping across country after country. In the United States, in Hungary, but also in Norway, it is becoming increasingly accepted among religious and political leaders to denigrate the human diversity of identities and bodies,” he lamented.

The London Pub was one of two bars targeted in a shooting that left two dead and nine injured during Oslo’s Pride parade on June 25, 2022.

The perpetrator, Zaniar Matapour, a Norwegian of Iranian origin who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, was sentenced to the maximum penalty, 30 years in prison which can be extended indefinitely, for committing an “aggravated terrorist act.”

In 2023, Tveit himself participated in the Pride parade, a first for a Church of Norway presiding bishop.

According to a survey conducted by the Opinion Institute for the Church of Norway, 65 percent of respondents said it was “high time” for the institution to apologise to gay people.

Other Protestant churches in England and Canada have issued similar apologies in recent years.

AFP

Presidential pardon still under review — FG

The Federal Government has clarified that no inmate has been released under the recent Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise, noting that the process is still undergoing final administrative review.

PUNCH Online reported that President Bola Tinubu recently granted a pardon to Sir Herbert Macaulay, as well as 174 others, following approval by the Council of State.

Among the beneficiaries are notable figures such as Ken Saro-Wiwa, the environmental activist, and Major General Mamman Vatsa, who was executed in 1986 for alleged coup plotting.

The pardon list also includes Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, and other inmates whose sentences were commuted or reduced, and ex-convicts deemed eligible by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

However, in a statement on Thursday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the exercise remains at the stage of verifying and reviewing the list of beneficiaries before the issuance of formal instruments of release.

Fagbemi explained that although the Council of State had approved recommendations for clemency, the final stage requires a detailed review to ensure all names comply with legal and procedural standards.

“The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to clarify that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s power of prerogative of mercy has been released from custody.

“The process remains at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued,” the statement read.

He noted that the issuance of the instrument of implementation marks the last phase of the process, after which the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service will be authorised to act.

According to the AGF, the review phase is part of standard protocol and demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparency, due diligence, and the rule of law.

Fagbemi commended the public for its interest and scrutiny of the exercise, describing such engagement as evidence of Nigerians’ commitment to justice and good governance.

“There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy,” he said.

The minister assured that the public would be duly informed once all legal and procedural checks are completed.

“As soon as all legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness,” he added.

INEC clarifies ₦1.5bn fee for voter register FOI request

The Independent National Electoral Commission has clarified the rationale behind the ₦1.5bn fee charged for fulfilling a Freedom of Information request for certified copies of the National Register of Voters and polling unit details across the country.

The request, submitted by Messrs V.C. Ottaokpukpu & Associates on October 8, 2025, sought access to the National Register of Voters for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as records of polling units nationwide.

INEC responded on October 13, 2025, approving the request and outlining the cost involved. The quoted fee of ₦1,505,901,750 has since generated widespread public interest.

In a statement issued on Thursday, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, explained that the fee was determined in line with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2011.

“Where access to information is to be given under this Act, the public institution may charge an amount representing the actual cost of document duplication and transcription,” the commission stated, citing Section 8(1) of the Act.

INEC further clarified that the cost was calculated based on its guidelines for processing and issuing Certified True Copies of documents, derived from Section 15 of the Electoral Act 2022. According to the commission, “the applicable charge is ₦250 per page.”

“For clarity, the National Register of Voters for all 36 states and the FCT contains 93,469,008 registered voters, with 16 voters per page, requiring 6,018,661 pages.

“Additionally, printing the existing polling units in the electoral wards across the country, covering 176,848 polling units, will require 4,946 pages.

“The total number of pages to be printed for both requests is therefore 6,023,607, at a unit cost of ₦250 per page, resulting in the total sum of ₦1,505,901,750,” INEC stated.

The commission added that “this amount reflects only the actual costs for document duplication and transcription and does not include any other charges.”

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to “transparency, accountability, and responsible management of public resources.”

The clarification followed public criticism after the disclosure of the fee. The approval for the release of the data was first made public in a letter signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and widely shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday night.

In the letter dated October 13, INEC confirmed that the request had been approved, stating, “You are hereby requested to pay the sum of One Billion, Five Hundred and Five Million, Nine Hundred and One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira only (₦1,505,901,750), being the cost of production of the above.”

The letter further directed the requesters to make payment through the INEC Remita Retrieval Reference system and submit proof of payment to proceed with the request.

The fee has sparked debate online, with many questioning its fairness, especially in an era of digital document management. Some users expressed disbelief at the cost, while others speculated that the charge was designed to discourage such requests.

However, some observers defended INEC’s position, noting that the request was for Certified True Copies, which legally requires the printing and certification of physical documents, as stipulated by the FOI Act.

China defends Russian oil imports, slams US ‘bullying’

China said Thursday that its purchases of Russian oil were “legitimate” and decried recent “unilateral bullying” measures by the United States as the trade row between the two countries continues to intensify.

Trump said Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised him New Delhi would stop buying Russian oil, and that he would get China to follow suit.

Trump has accused both China and India of funding the three-year Ukraine war through the purchases, and has also demanded that European allies immediately stop buying oil from Russia.

India neither confirmed or denied it was shifting its policy.

Asked on Thursday about Trump’s intention to pressure China further, Beijing’s foreign ministry defended its “normal, legitimate economic, trade, and energy cooperation with countries around the world, including Russia”.

“The actions of the United States are a typical example of unilateral bullying and economic coercion,” ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press briefing.

If China’s interests are harmed, it will “take firm countermeasures and resolutely safeguard its sovereignty”, he warned.

Beijing and Moscow are key trading partners, and China has never denounced Russia’s war, nor called for it to withdraw its troops.

Kyiv and Western governments have long accused Beijing of providing political and economic support for Moscow.

– ‘Profoundly detrimental’ –

Beijing on Thursday also criticised recent US moves to expand export controls and impose new port fees on Chinese ships, saying the measures had a “profoundly detrimental” impact on trade talks between the two superpowers.

While tensions between Washington and Beijing have de-escalated from their peak, the truce remains shaky.

After Beijing imposed fresh controls on the export of rare earth technologies and items, Trump said he would roll out an additional 100 per cent tariff on the country’s goods from November 1.

The United States announced in April it would begin applying fees to all arriving Chinese-built and operated ships after a “Section 301” investigation found Beijing’s dominance in the industry was unreasonable.

Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 enables Washington to impose trade penalties on countries whose practices are deemed unfair or harmful to American commerce.

Beijing responded last week by announcing “special port fees” on American ships arriving at Chinese ports. Both sets of fees took effect Tuesday.

Commerce ministry spokeswoman He Yongqian said Thursday the US moved ahead with the measures while “disregarding China’s sincerity in consultations”, causing “severe damage to China’s interests… (and) a profoundly detrimental impact”.

“The Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction with and resolutely opposes the series of actions taken by the US side,” He Yongqian said.

She urged Washington to “immediately rectify its erroneous practices” and respect the outcomes of recent trade talks.

AFP

How Nigeria can achieve sustainable, renewable energy — EU

As Nigeria moves to strengthen renewable energy manufacturing and champion local content, the European Union on Thursday said that creative partnerships between the public and private sectors, including research and innovation ecosystems, are key to achieving the country’s clean energy goals.

Describing how innovative breakthroughs are reshaping the global energy landscape, the EU praised Nigeria’s abundant and exceptional human talent and natural resources, describing them as critical ingredients for building innovation ecosystems.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, who was represented by the Deputy Ambassador, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, disclosed this during the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum in Abuja, according to a statement by the EU.

He highlighted how over €200 million in grants from the EU has continued to strengthen the country’s power sector since 2008.

He said, “Our most recent energy sector programme, launched in 2021 with a €100 million (₦175 billion) budget, is aimed at adding 400 megawatts of new renewable capacity by 2027, directly benefitting more than five million Nigerians.”

Mignot noted that innovation that accelerates inclusive energy and digital transformation processes has become an essential intergenerational process and an integral part of political legacies that will be duly recognised by future generations.

Explaining how proper synergy between the public and private sectors and research and innovation ecosystems works, he said, “The public sector brings the policy frameworks; the private sector brings agility and technical expertise; research institutions bring insight and innovation.”

Further stating that effective policies and regulations, together with strengthened capacity building, are essential to scale energy solutions sustainably, he added, “Across rural Nigeria, off-grid renewable solutions are transforming lives. Mini-grids and solar home systems, powered by creative public–private partnerships, are lighting homes, energising small businesses, and expanding opportunity.

“Research institutions must continue providing evidence-based insights on energy demand, consumer behaviour, and resilient business models to ensure that innovation truly serves local communities.”

Reiterating the EU’s commitment to Nigeria’s energy security and economic resilience, especially through programmes like GET.invest Nigeria and the EU’s Global Gateway, he said, “The EU remains deeply committed to supporting these efforts through direct research grants, local capacity development, and mobilising private investment, demonstrating a shared vision for sustainable energy access, clean industry, and inclusive growth.

“Whether for large grid-connected solar farms or small decentralised systems, our shared path depends on harnessing Nigerian ingenuity, industrial potential, and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Hailing Nigeria’s advancement in the era of the green and circular economy, Amb. Mignot added, “The pace of this journey toward sustainable, accessible energy will depend on how successfully the public sector, private sector, and innovation ecosystem work together.”

PUNCH Online reports that Nigeria is currently working towards making significant strides in renewable energy, driven by government initiatives and international investments. The country aims to become Africa’s renewable energy hub, with a projected investment of over $410 billion by 2060.

Nigeria’s energy transition plan includes developing nearly 4 GW of local solar factory capacity, reducing reliance on imports, and creating jobs. The government has signed agreements worth over $400 million for renewable energy manufacturing and infrastructure deals, including solar panels, smart meters, and battery storage.

Additionally, Nigeria is promoting distributed renewable energy, with projects like mini-grids expected to reach 1.5-2 million rural customers.

The country has significant potential for solar and wind energy, with notable projects like the 140 MW Qua Iboe Power Plant and the 10 MW Katsina Wind Farm. Despite challenges like inadequate infrastructure and high costs, Nigeria’s renewable energy capacity is expected to grow, with projections indicating a compound annual growth of 9.88% from 2024 to 2034.

Jonathan mourns late Kenyan leader Raila Odinga

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has mourned the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, describing him as a true African patriot and a symbol of democratic struggle on the continent.

Jonathan, in a statement titled “Adieu H.E. Raila Odinga” shared on his official X account on Thursday, paid glowing tribute to the late Kenyan statesman, whom he hailed for his courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to democracy in Africa.

PUNCH Online, in an agency report titled “Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga dies in India”, reported that Odinga, 80, died in India after collapsing during a morning walk, leading to widespread mourning across Kenya and the continent.

Reflecting on Odinga’s legacy, Jonathan described him as a leader who placed service above self and who embodied the hope of a united, progressive Africa.

“I am saddened by the news of the passing of H.E. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya and a distinguished African statesman whose life symbolised resilience, courage, and democratic struggle in Africa.

“Kenya has lost a patriot, and our continent has lost a great leader, one who understood that leadership is not about self, but about service; who believed and looked forward to Africa’s greatness and ascendancy”, the statement partly read.

The former Nigerian president further celebrated Odinga as a fellow advocate of democracy and a devoted pan-Africanist whose impact would continue to resonate across generations.

He prayed for history to remember Odinga kindly and for Africa to draw continued inspiration from his legacy.

“I honour him not just as a brother in the cause of democracy, but as a committed pan-Africanist whose light will continue to shine.

“May history remember him kindly, and may Africa continue to be blessed by his hope, wisdom and sacrifice”, Jonathan’s statement concluded.

Olusegun Alebiosu’s Leadership Questioned as Fraud Scandals Rock First Bank

…Cases of Customers’ Funds Illegally Accessed Become Worryingly Frequent in First Bank

Banking thrives on trust — depositors rely on their banks to safeguard their money, while banks are expected to put robust measures in place to uphold that trust. However, in the case of First Bank under the leadership of Managing Director Olusegun Alebiosu, that trust appears to be eroding fast.

Once regarded as a financial fortress, First Bank is now facing allegations of rampant fraud, with both internal and external perpetrators reportedly having unfettered access to customer accounts. The situation has raised alarm across the industry, as fraud incidents within the bank have become increasingly frequent since 2024 — the very year Mr. Alebiosu took over.

First Bank, Nigeria’s oldest bank, has historically enjoyed a reputation built on customer loyalty and decades of reliability. But that image has been badly tarnished in recent months. According to industry watchers, the level of fraudulent activity is unprecedented, with some linking the escalation directly to lapses in the bank’s current management structure while some were of the notion that it is due to the incompetence of those at the helms of the bank affairs.

There has been so many issues with unauthorised transfer of deposit and withdrawal associated with the bank in recent times. This write up will be mentioning two of such incidents; one of such is the case of a customer whose video was posted on social media sometimes in July when she stormed a branch of First bank in Ibadan, Oyo State after her savings of N949,000 vanished from her account. In the video the distraught depositor was heard saying that her account was emptied without any form of notification like sms alert or email and while they were told to exercise patience the branch manager invited policemen to come and arrest them.

Similar incident is that of Charles Mary, a struggling entrepreneur, who is a customer of the bank. According to her a client paid a certain amount into her account on Friday 18th July, meant to execute the supply of certain materials, she decided to withdraw some money to pay for some of the materials needed through the First Bank ATM machine in Opebi around 5pm of the same day.

She explained that the ATM machine of First Bank at that branch did not dispense and she removed her card after few seconds and to her surprise she started receiving alerts while still in the vicinity of the bank.

To her surprise her account was not debited the amount she hope to withdraw from the ATM, instead debit alerts of five hundred thousand (500,000), two hundred thousand (200,000), ninety nine thousand (99,000) and fifty thousand (50,000) naira were received, without her compromising her account details in any form.

Findings revealed, it has become a pattern in First Bank, as customers details are exposed to activities of fraudsters, going by recent occurrence, many staffs of the bank are found to be working with these set of people.

Investigation shows two patterns that the fraudsters have been employing, the first style is that where alerts are not sent during and after the act, while the second is the illegal transfers and deduction being effected after closing of work on Friday so any action will wait till Monday since financial institutions don’t work on weekends.

While some customers are abandoning their account after transferring to other banks, some believed the bank will soon get it right. For many customers that are still holding on, the question on their minds remains: Can First Bank under Olusegun Alebiosu still guarantee the safety of their money?

Police bust robbery syndicate on Katsina-Kano highway

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested an 11-man syndicate of suspected notorious armed robbers terrorising people on Sha’iskawa-Charanchi and Katsina-Kankia-Kano roads.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Aliyu, told newsmen on Wednesday in Katsina that the suspects had specialised in blocking those roads, robbing unsuspecting motorists.

He listed the suspects as Dikko Maaru, Dardau Kabir, Muntari Musa, Labaran Amadu, Usman Maaru, Lawal Zubairu, Nasiru Sanusi, and Adamu Kabir.

Others were, Abdullahi Zubairu, Muhammad Usman and Sale Shehu, all between the ages of 21 and 35.

He said, “The breakthrough came on Sunday at about 10am hen a member of the syndicate was intercepted while attempting to dispose of some proceeds of their heinous act, following a credible intelligence report.

“Acting swiftly on the tip-off, our operatives were able to track down and apprehend the suspect, leading to the arrest of other members of the syndicate.”

The PPRO explained that during the investigation, 80 wristwatches, nine cellphones, and a knife were recovered from the suspects as exhibits.

He further said that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bello Shehu, commended the operatives for a job well done and appreciated the support of the public.

Aliyu quoted the CP as urging the public to continue providing useful information that would aid in the fight against crime and criminality in the state.

He stated that the suspects would be charged in court after investigations.

JIM OVIA NAMED DOYEN OF THE NIGERIAN BANKING INDUSTRY AT THE NGX CLOSING GONG CEREMONY

Zenith Bank Plc‘s Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, accompanied by the bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, carried out the prestigious closing gong ceremony at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), marking a significant milestone in the bank’s continued partnership with the capital market and the official closing of the trading day. The ceremony highlights Zenith Bank’s strong relationship with the NGX and its commitment to transparency, accountability, and bolstering investor confidence.

While speaking at the Nigerian Exchange, Dr. Umeoji expressed her delight in participating in the closing gong ceremony, acknowledging the NGX’s visionary leadership and innovative initiatives. “We are delighted to be here today to perform the closing gong ceremony – a symbol of shared progress and enduring partnership,” Dr. Umeoji said. “The NGX’s leadership has been very creative and innovative, and their electronic trading platform – X-stream played a pivotal role in the success of our recapitalization exercise, which achieved a 160% subscription. The bank’s stock price has doubled since the recapitalization exercise, from N36.50 per share to N68. Zenith Bank has also reported impressive financial results for the Half Year (H1) of 2025, becoming the most profitable bank in Nigeria and paying the highest dividend in the industry for the half year.”

“We are committed to creating value for our stakeholders and will continue to partner with the NGX to boost the Nigerian economy,” Dr. Umeoji added. “Our expansion strategy is focused on following our customers’ businesses and ensuring that we go to countries and economies where we can scale and provide more returns for our shareholders.”

She stressed that the bank plans to make good on its promise of being investors’ delight by paying quantum dividends to its shareholders by year end. According to her “For us in Zenith, we are looking forward to paying more based on the confidence the market reposed on us. We are working assiduously to ensure that we do not disappoint the Market. We are going to continue to be the investors’ delight, and we assure the market that we would continue to pay enhanced dividends come end of the year.”

Also commenting, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama emphasised the role of the NGX in creating value in the Nigerian economic space. He said, “I want to thank you all for making the market what it is. Without you, the market wouldn’t have seen the leap that it has achieved in the last one-and-half year. I spoke earlier that at my assumption of office, market capitalization stood at N55 trillion, today it is hovering around 89 trillion and 93 trillion. That was not done by a spirit, it was done by you. Your ability, tenacity, courage, vision and transparency have moved the market where it is. Our vision is that by next year, we will have the market at 200trn.”

The Doyen of the NGX, Alhaji Rasheed Yusuf while giving his remarks, lauded the Founder & Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR for his vision and leadership. He ended by referring to him as the “Doyen of the Commercial banking sector”.

Zenith Bank remains committed to creating long-term value for its stakeholders while driving economic development in Nigeria. As the bank continues on its growth trajectory, it has its sights set on global expansion. The bank intends to strategically leverage the capital raised from the Market to enhance its scalability and deliver enhanced services to its valued customers.

The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker and “Nigeria’s Best Bank” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.

Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 to 2025 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025 at the BAFI Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Zenith Bank was also named Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024; Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

Cristiano Ronaldo closes in on 1,000 career goals

Portugal and Al Nassr striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, is on the verge of achieving a milestone no male footballer has ever reached: 1,000 career goals.

According to Sky Sports on Wednesday, following his recent brace against Hungary in the World Cup qualifiers, the Portuguese legend has now scored a staggering 948 goals across club and international competitions, 805 at club level and 143 for Portugal.

He also became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifying history, surpassing Carlos Ruiz on 39, with Lionel Messi third in the list on 36.

Ronaldo turned 40 in February, but he continues to rack up impressive numbers at club level as well as internationally, albeit against weaker opposition in Saudi Arabia, where he has scored 104 goals in 117 appearances across four seasons with Al-Nassr.

With 32 goals already for club and country in 2025, he is maintaining a remarkably consistent level of productivity in front of goal. Ronaldo has averaged more than 50 goals per calendar year since 2010.

His highest scoring year came in 2013, when he smashed 69 goals and won the Ballon d’Or.

Amazingly, his total has only dipped below 39 goals once in a calendar year in the last decade and a half.

With Portugal set to qualify for next summer’s World Cup, and with two years to go on his Al-Nassr contract, Ronaldo is projected to become the first player in recorded history to reach the 1,000-goal mark in October 2026 based on his current scoring rate.