Al-Nassr prepare private jet to fly Joao Felix back for Al-Ahli tie

João Félix (2nd right) celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's third goal in the second half. Photo: X/@AlNassrFC_EN

Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr are preparing a private jet to fly Portuguese forward João Félix directly to Jeddah after international duty in a bid to make him available for their eagerly anticipated Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Ahli.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Youm, on Tuesday, the club’s management are “arranging the special flight to bring Félix back immediately after Portugal’s international fixture against Wales.”

The arrangement is aimed at “reducing his travel time and avoiding the delays associated with regular flights, giving him a better chance of featuring in the encounter against Al-Ahli.”

Félix has become an important attacking option for Al-Nassr since joining the club, with his performances making him one of the players the coaching staff rely on to create scoring opportunities and threaten opposition defences.

However, securing his return to Saudi Arabia does not guarantee his participation in the match, as the “technical crew will still have to assess his physical condition following international duty and the journey before deciding whether he is fit to play.”

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The proposed arrangement highlights Al-Nassr’s determination to have one of their key attacking players available for the high-profile encounter, despite the scheduling challenge posed by international commitments.

PUNCH Online reports that the Saudi Pro League Matchweek 9 clash between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr is scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2026, at 8:30 pm Saudi time (6:30 pm Nigerian time) at Alinma Stadium, King Abdullah Sports City, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The November FIFA international break is currently underway, running from Monday, November 9, to Tuesday, November 17, 2026, with national teams scheduled to play up to two matches during the window.

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.

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