Nicaragua Coach Takes a Jab at Miguel Herrera and Targets Keylor Navas

Costa Rica will kick off its World Cup qualifying journey on Friday with a match against Nicaragua. As reported by La Opinión, the game at Estadio Nacional Managua has gained extra attention due to comments from Nicaragua’s head coach, Marco Antonio “Fantasma” Figueroa. He has urged Miguel Herrera to avoid excuses before the game.

The stadium uses an artificial surface, which has faced criticism from Costa Rica. Figueroa defended the pitch, stating it meets FIFA certification standards. “Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have played here without complaints. Tomorrow’s match is for professionals, not for excuses,” he said to the media.

Figueroa also stirred debate by mentioning veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas. While acknowledging his achievements, Figueroa implied that Navas no longer poses the same challenge. “Keylor has his history and titles, but he’s not 20 anymore. I have a 22-year-old goalkeeper. If we need to challenge him, we’ll do it confidently,” he remarked.

Costa Rica and Nicaragua are in Group C of Concacaf qualifying, alongside Honduras and Haiti. The group winner gets a direct spot at the 2026 World Cup, while the runner-up will enter an intercontinental playoff.