«العقيدي والنجار» ضحايا جيسوس

In the aftermath of Al-Nassr's exit from the King's Cup, a question arose that transcends the result and delves into the very technical decision: Does the Portuguese coach Jesus realize that he has in his squad the first-choice Saudi national team goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi and his backup Raghd Al-Najjar?

The duo's neglect in the most important matches of the season raises a question mark over the methodology within the coaching staff, especially in the absence of a goalkeeping coach capable of assessing readiness and placing the best in goal.

Al-Aqidi, who led the national team to the 2026 World Cup, has proven to be a goalkeeper for big occasions and a voice of calm behind the defense, while Al-Najjar possesses international experience that provides the team with a reliable national option.

Their absence from the cup scene left the goal without a leader, the defense without organization, and the fans without a clear answer.

Jesus, who excels at reading opponents, made a mistake in reading his own team. The goalkeeping situation at Al-Nassr today does not require a new signing, but rather a brave decision that restores confidence in the Saudi goalkeeper and grants Al-Nassr its technical balance before similar losses occur again.

When a coach overlooks the strengths of his national players, the team loses its true depth, and Saudi football misses the opportunity to build a solid local goalkeeping base.

Comparison between the two goalkeepers:

Nawaf Al-Aqidi

‏• First-choice national team goalkeeper

• With Al-Nassr: 3 matches | 270 minutes

• With the national team: 15 matches | 1,350 minutes

• Key attributes: Calmness, positioning, defensive directing

• Note: Loss of defensive organization

Raghd Al-Najjar

‏• Backup national team goalkeeper

• With Al-Nassr: 2 matches | 180 minutes

• With the national team: 1 match | 90 minutes

• Key attributes: Mental stability, excellent angle reading

• Note: His technical neglect = loss of a ready national substitute