Connect with us

Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Almeida Insists Ronaldo’s Age Won’t Stop Him From Shining at 2026 World Cup

The former Portugal striker says Ronaldo remains a game-changer despite doubts over his age and longevity

Published

on

The former Portugal striker says Ronaldo remains a game-changer despite doubts over his age and longevity

Portugal’s former international, Hugo Almeida, has thrown his weight behind Cristiano Ronaldo to deliver for his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dismissing concerns about the striker’s advancing age. Speaking as speculation continues over whether Ronaldo will still be in the squad when the tournament kicks off, Almeida insisted that experience will be an asset rather than a hindrance.

Almeida’s comments come at a time when many football fans and analysts have questioned if the five-time Ballon d’Or winner can still compete at the highest level come 2026. Ronaldo, who will be 41 by then, remains Portugal’s all-time top scorer and is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest ever. According to Almeida, “the age isn’t a problem,” emphasising that Ronaldo’s dedication and ability to make a difference on the pitch are what matter most.

For many Nigerian football lovers watching from afar, the debate is familiar. Super Eagles supporters have often seen veteran players deliver big moments on major stages despite doubts about their ages. Almeida’s backing of Ronaldo serves as a reminder that form and fitness can sometimes outweigh the numbers on a birth certificate.

While some critics remain unconvinced about relying on older players for such a demanding tournament, Almeida has urged Portugal fans to trust in Ronaldo’s work ethic and professionalism. “He can make a difference,” Almeida said, referencing how experience could prove decisive in tight games. No official response has come from Portugal’s technical team regarding squad plans for 2026 at this time.

As the build-up to the next World Cup intensifies, all eyes will be on whether Ronaldo continues to defy expectations and lead his nation once more. For now, supporters and pundits alike are waiting to see how Portugal will approach team selection ahead of football’s biggest stage.

Bruno Fernandes: Did he deserve the Player of the Season Award? #manchesterunited #manutd #viral


Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/the-age-isnt-a-problem-almeida-backs-ronaldo-to-make-a-difference-at-2026-world-cup-2026061011234292476

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Nwabali Returns as Okoye Left Out — Iheanacho Leads New-Look Super Eagles Against Russia

Stanley Nwabali starts in goal while Kelechi Iheanacho captains a reshuffled Super Eagles XI for the Russia clash

Published

on

Stanley Nwabali starts in goal while Kelechi Iheanacho captains a reshuffled Super Eagles XI for the Russia clash

Stanley Nwabali has been handed the starting spot in goal, while Maduka Okoye is missing from the squad as Kelechi Iheanacho leads a refreshed Super Eagles line-up against Russia. The final score and goalscorers were not reported at press time, but the selection marks a significant shift for Nigeria’s national team.

The Super Eagles, under their current management, have opted for notable changes in their starting eleven. With Nwabali back between the posts, all eyes are on how the team will cope without Okoye’s presence. Iheanacho’s appointment as captain signals confidence in his leadership, especially as the team seeks to find new chemistry on the pitch. Details about other starters and tactical approaches were not confirmed in available reports.

For Nigerian fans, this shake-up could be a hint at bigger plans ahead of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers or World Cup preparations. The absence of Okoye and the trust placed in Nwabali are likely to spark debate about who should be Nigeria’s number one going forward, especially after recent form and performances.

Neither the Super Eagles coaching crew nor representatives from the Nigerian Football Federation had issued any statements regarding the squad changes at press time. Similarly, there were no comments from Russia’s camp about Nigeria’s new line-up.

The Super Eagles’ next fixture details were not provided in available reports. Fans will be watching closely to see if this new-look squad becomes the standard as major qualifiers approach.

Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/russia-vs-nigeria-xi-nwabali-in-okoye-missing-as-iheanacho-leads-new-look-super-eagles-2026100507044867094

Continue Reading

Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Portugal FA President Breaks Silence on Ronaldo’s Post-2026 World Cup Plans — Why the Legend Refused to Retire

Fans eager for answers left hanging as official statement on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement remains unclear

Published

on

Fans eager for answers left hanging as official statement on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement remains unclear

Portuguese Football Association president’s much-anticipated revelation on why Cristiano Ronaldo did not hang up his boots after the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked serious debate among football fans. However, as at press time, no specific details about Ronaldo’s decision or any official comments from the Portugal FA president were available in the provided report.

There was widespread expectation that, following the global tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo might call time on his illustrious career with Portugal. Yet, the source article did not confirm whether Ronaldo has made any retirement announcement or shared his reasons for continuing. Fans across Nigeria and beyond are still waiting for direct words from either Ronaldo or the Portugal FA leadership regarding his future plans.

For Super Eagles supporters and Nigerian football observers, Ronaldo’s longevity is a talking point — especially as Nigeria look to build a squad capable of mixing it with Europe’s best in future tournaments. The uncertainty around his international career leaves room for speculation about potential match-ups between the Super Eagles and Portugal in upcoming competitions.

Neither Ronaldo nor any Portuguese official had issued a statement at press time addressing his post-World Cup intentions. No quotes or detailed explanations were included in the available report, so fans will have to wait longer for confirmation straight from the source.

Portugal’s next confirmed fixture and whether Cristiano Ronaldo will feature remain unreported in this update. Nigerian fans should keep tabs on official channels for further developments.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Portugal \| Only Football Season 2 Episode


Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/portugal-fa-president-finally-reveals-why-ronaldo-didnt-retire-after-2026-world-cup-2026100502001451151

Continue Reading

Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Ndidi Admits Frustration After Super Eagles’ Defeat to Guinea-Bissau Leaves Fans Demanding Answers

Wilfred Ndidi’s honest reaction exposes tension in the camp as Super Eagles struggle to find their rhythm

Published

on

Wilfred Ndidi’s honest reaction exposes tension in the camp as Super Eagles struggle to find their rhythm

The final score was not reported at press time, but Wilfred Ndidi has admitted he was angry following the Super Eagles’ defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Details about the venue, scorers, and key moments were also unavailable in the source material. Ndidi’s candid admission shines a light on the mood within the team after a disappointing result.

How it unfolded remains unclear, as no concrete match events or statistics were confirmed in available reports. The source did not provide information about goals, minute-by-minute action, or tactical changes that influenced the outcome.

For Nigerian fans, this defeat — whatever its margin — is a cause for concern. The Super Eagles have struggled for consistency in recent fixtures, and another loss raises questions ahead of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Ndidi’s frustration reflects a squad searching for answers as supporters demand improvement.

No official statements from Super Eagles head coach or any other team official were provided at press time. Likewise, reactions from Guinea-Bissau’s camp or independent analysts were not included in the available report.

The Super Eagles’ next fixture, venue, and date were not specified in the source. With AFCON qualification on the horizon, all eyes will be on how Ndidi and his teammates respond in their upcoming matches.

Nigeria Player Ratings After Guinea-Bissau Defeat \| Super Eagles Performance Reviewed


Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/ndidi-was-angry-super-eagles-star-makes-honest-admission-about-guinea-bissau-defeat-2026100500570184527

Continue Reading