The group training session of Al-Nasr Saudi Club, today, Sunday, witnessed the return of the international players who participated with the Saudi national team in the Arab Cup 2025, as part of the intensive preparations for the anticipated match against Al-Zawraa Iraqi Club.
The technical staff of Al-Nasr team had granted a short rest to the five international players: Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Nawaf Boushal, Raghed Al-Najjar, Abdullah Al-Khaibri, and Abdul-Ilah Al-Amri, after their return from Qatar immediately after the end of their participation with the "Green" team in the Arab tournament, with the aim of their recovery and preparing them physically and mentally for the upcoming commitments with the club.
Al-Nasr's preparations for the Al-Zawraa match and the AFC Champions League 2
Al-Nassr's first football team is preparing to host Al-Zawraa of Iraq on Wednesday evening, as part of the sixth and final round of the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2. This match comes at a time when "Al-Aalami" is experiencing a state of technical and moral stability, especially after officially securing qualification to the next round of the continental tournament.
Despite having already secured qualification, the match holds special significance for the coaching staff and players, as Al-Nassr aims to maintain a perfect record in the group stage, having won all five of their previous matches. Maintaining this winning streak is crucial for boosting the team's confidence and sending a strong message to their knockout stage opponents about their readiness to compete for the title.
The importance of the meeting and the regional context
Matches between Saudi and Iraqi clubs always have a special character, marked by intense rivalry and passionate fan support, given the long and rich history of football in both countries. Al-Zawraa is a pillar of Iraqi football, making this match a good test for Al-Nassr's players and an opportunity for the coaching staff to experiment with different tactical plans or field different players without the pressure of needing to qualify.
In a related context, Al-Nasr’s medical staff continues to monitor the condition of player Ayman Yahya, who was excluded from the Saudi national team’s roster before the start of the Arab Cup due to injury, as the club seeks to prepare all its players for the crucial stage of the season, and to compete on all local and continental fronts.
Al-Nasr fans hope that the return of the international players will be an additional incentive for the team to continue its strong performances and confirm its leadership of the Asian group with a performance befitting the reputation of Saudi football in international forums.
