Cristiano Ronaldo experienced a difficult evening in Leiria as Portugal wrapped up their preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a narrow 2-1 win over Nigeria. Although the Selecao secured the victory, the 41-year-old forward failed to display his trademark finishing touch, missing several clear chances that could have added to his remarkable international goal record.

Despite heading to North America on the back of a win, much of the post-match discussion centred on Ronaldo’s lack of sharpness in front of goal. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, still the focal point of Roberto Martinez’s system, looked visibly frustrated during his 65 minutes on the field. Having squandered multiple clear opportunities that he would normally bury, questions are now being raised about his position as an automatic starter for the upcoming tournament.

Ronaldo’s first major chance arrived in the ninth minute when he connected with a through pass from Nelson Semedo but dragged his shot wide despite being in a prime position to score. The veteran’s irritation was clear as he angrily struck the ball away after it bounced back off the advertising boards. Later, another chance went begging when he miskicked from near the penalty spot, sending his left-footed effort high over the crossbar and into the stands.

Coach Roberto Martinez, however, was quick to defend his captain’s extended playing time. He explained that keeping Ronaldo on the pitch into the second half—while making eight substitutions at the break—was part of a deliberate plan to improve his fitness levels ahead of the group stage. The Spanish coach emphasised that this was a carefully planned workload rather than a reflection of poor form.

“The plan for Cristiano, based on the data we have, was for him to play either 45 or 60 minutes,” Martinez said after the match. “The focus is not only on individual conditioning but also on ensuring the team ends stronger than it starts. That’s a sign of good preparation, concentration, and clarity in our approach. We feel much better prepared now.”

Portugal took the lead in the 23rd minute through Pedro Neto, but Nigeria equalised just before half-time thanks to a well-taken goal from Akor Adams. Despite missing key players Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles posed a stern challenge throughout. It required a moment of magic from a substitute to finally settle the contest in Portugal’s favour.

Francisco Conceicao emerged as the match-winner in the 75th minute, cutting in from the right wing before bending a superb shot into the far corner. His goal ensured a second successive 2-1 friendly victory for Portugal, following their win over Chile earlier in the week, and spared them from an uneasy conclusion to their World Cup build-up.

Attention now shifts to Houston, Texas, where Portugal will begin their World Cup journey. The big question is whether Ronaldo will keep his starting spot after his underwhelming display in Leiria. The 2026 edition will mark Ronaldo’s sixth appearance at a World Cup, equalling the all-time record. He has scored 143 goals in 228 appearances for his country but has yet to find the net in a World Cup knockout stage. Martinez’s squad faces a challenging Group K, which includes Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Euro 2016 winners open their campaign on June 17 against DR Congo.

How far can Portugal go in the World Cup remains to be seen, but their final warm-up match has left plenty for Martinez and his team to ponder.