Portugal coach keeps Super Eagles fans guessing as Ronaldo’s place in the starting XI remains uncertain

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has refused to guarantee Cristiano Ronaldo a place in the starting lineup following their recent friendly against the Super Eagles. The final score, scorers, and minute-by-minute details of the match were not reported at press time, but Martinez’s comments have sparked debate among fans.

Martinez addressed questions about his team selection after the encounter with Nigeria, specifically whether Ronaldo would automatically feature from the start in Portugal’s upcoming fixtures. The coach’s response suggested that every player must prove himself on the pitch, regardless of reputation. However, he did not confirm if Ronaldo will start in the next game.

For Super Eagles supporters, Martinez’s stance adds intrigue ahead of future clashes between Nigeria and top European sides. With Portugal preparing for their next round of matches and Nigeria focusing on Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preparations, questions remain over how both teams will set up when they meet again or face other high-profile opponents.

Neither the Super Eagles coaching staff nor the Nigerian Football Federation had issued a statement regarding Martinez’s remarks at press time. There were also no direct quotes from Ronaldo or Portuguese players available from post-match interviews.

Nigeria’s next confirmed fixture and venue were not specified in available reports. Fans will be watching closely for squad updates as AFCON qualifiers approach and European sides finalise their lineups.

Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/martinez-refuses-to-guarantee-ronaldo-starting-spot-after-nigeria-display-2026061108502463245

Ecuador records nearly 4,000 children named Neymar, while Argentina and Brazil see surges in Messi and Mbappé namesakes

As the World Cup kicks off on Thursday, South America is witnessing a remarkable baby-naming trend inspired by football icons like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. According to official figures from Ecuador’s civil registry released on Wednesday, Brazil’s all-time top scorer Neymar leads the pack with 3,847 Ecuadorian children bearing his name, followed by French superstar Kylian Mbappé with over 2,800 namesakes. James Rodriguez, Colombia’s captain, comes third with 2,136 children named in his honour.

Interestingly, local Ecuadorian stars such as Kendry Paez or Willian Pacho have not made as much impact on naming choices. Instead, global legends dominate: the country counts 1,549 Lionels and 38 Messis (after Argentina’s Lionel Messi), as well as 178 Cristianos and 1,006 Ronaldos after Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

The baby-naming phenomenon stretches far beyond Ecuador. In Colombia, Mbappé leads with 836 children sharing his name or surname—outpacing even Neymar (269) and Cristiano/Ronaldo (220), based on data from 2022. Brazil itself has embraced this trend: more than 2,400 Brazilian babies have been named Neymar according to a recent census, while over 400 carry the name Kylian or Killian.

Argentina experienced a spike in children named Lionel in 2023 after Messi led the nation to its third World Cup title. However, that popularity has reportedly dipped since then. Chile has also produced headlines for unusual football-inspired names: one family welcomed a child named Griezmann Mbappé ahead of the last World Cup—his brother is called James Modric (blending James Rodriguez and Luka Modric), while cousins include an Andres Iniesta, Leonel Messi, and Neymar Ronaldo.

Neither the Super Eagles coaching staff nor any Nigerian Football Federation official had commented on whether similar naming trends are emerging in Nigeria at press time.

Source: https://punchng.com/neymar-kylian-inspire-baby-naming-trend-across-south-america/

Crowds in Manhattan and Queens gather as football legends are honoured with new street names until November

New York City has temporarily renamed two streets in honour of football icons Thierry Henry and Pele as excitement builds for the start of the World Cup, which kicks off Thursday across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The unveiling ceremonies took place at West 50th Street and 6th Avenue in downtown Manhattan for ‘Thierry Henry Way’ and at the intersection of Shea Road and Meridian Road in Queens for Pele.

The move comes just days before the first match of the tournament, with the final set for next month at MetLife Stadium—now rebranded as New York New Jersey Stadium—just outside New York City. According to FOX Sports, fans and city officials gathered in Manhattan to witness the unveiling of ‘Thierry Henry Way,’ with the former France international appearing via video call. Henry, who won the 1998 World Cup with France and later played five seasons for New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer until 2014, remains a fan favourite among local supporters.

Meanwhile, Brazilian legend Pele—widely regarded as one of football’s greatest-ever players—was honoured at a busy intersection in Queens. The new street names will remain in place until November 1, giving fans and residents plenty of time to celebrate two legends who have left an indelible mark on world football.

For Nigerian football fans watching developments ahead of the World Cup, these tributes highlight how global icons are celebrated far beyond their home countries. While no Super Eagles players were among those honoured this time around, Nigeria’s own stars continue to inspire fans worldwide as anticipation grows for their next big stage appearance.

Neither Thierry Henry nor representatives from Pele’s family issued public statements during the unveiling ceremonies, according to available reports. No comments from city officials or tournament organisers were published at press time.

The World Cup kicks off this Thursday across three North American nations. The final will be played next month at New York New Jersey Stadium, marking a historic moment for global football fans—including those following from Nigeria.

Source: https://punchng.com/new-york-renames-streets-after-thierry-henry-pele-ahead-of-world-cup/