‘They Made Africa Proud,’ Nigerians, Argentina Hail Cape Verde after World Cup Exit

Cape Verde may have bowed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the Blue Sharks earned widespread admiration from football fans and even their Argentine opponents after pushing the defending champions to the brink in a thrilling knockout clash.

Argentina needed an extra-time own goal to edge the tournament debutants 3-2 in Miami on Friday and progress to the next round.

The Blue Sharks, representing a country of about 500,000 people, fought back twice from a goal down against the defending champions before an extra-time own goal by Diney Borges handed Argentina victory.

The game started favourably for the South Americans, with Lionel Messi firing past Vozinha in the 29th minute to give a lead.

As they had done throughout the tournament, Cape Verde showed they possessed determination and genuine ability, equalising when Deroy Duarte collected Ryan Mendes’ pass and fired through Lisandro Martinez’s legs and beyond Emiliano Martinez.

A pair of superb saves by Vozinha and a fine goal-line clearance by Pico Lopes helped keep the scores level as the contest went into extra time.

There, an unmarked Lisandro Martinez fired past Vozinha from close range after Messi’s corner was flicked on by Alexis Mac Allister in the 92nd minute.

But Cape Verde responded again.

The Blue Sharks drew level with one of the goals of the tournament as Sidny Lopes Cabral danced past Mac Allister before rifling a shot into the top corner.

There was to be no third comeback, however, as Diney Borges’ 111th-minute own goal sealed Argentina’s victory.

The spirited display sparked an outpouring of praise across social media, with many Nigerians and football lovers describing Cape Verde as one of Africa’s standout teams at the tournament.

On X, former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, said the Blue Sharks had inspired him with their fearless approach.

“Wow! This is a thunderstorm, win or lose! Boy, I am feeling so proud and inspired by this Cape Verde side versus Argentina — the overall performance, lack of complex, aggressive, fast, physical, technical… Nothing is taking me to bed until the end. You awake?” he wrote on X.

Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey also applauded the team’s performance despite the defeat.

“Cape Verde! You have done incredibly well. What a team! You lost but left as warriors… Africa salutes you! As a Messi Stan, I salute you. Messi will never forget you. Argentina did sweat it out,” he posted.

Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, wrote, “No matter the final result, Cape Verde deserve Africa’s admiration. They dragged FIFA’s favourite all the way to extra time. Respect.”

Football content creator Adika described the performance as unforgettable.

“Cape Verde has made Africa beyond proud, taking on the No. 1 team in the world and outplaying them. We will never forget!” he wrote.

Football analyst Mr Bayo added, “Wow, Cape Verde. What a team. Incredible fighters, absolutely deserve to go through. Well done, Cape Verde. We are all proud of you.”

Another X user, Sir Dickson, praised the team’s fearless mentality, saying, “Cape Verde came to win. They showed no respect to Argentina.”

Also, Alabi, joked that Argentina looked physically drained by the contest.

“These Argentine players are almost falling over. They are so tired. The last time they faced this level of stress was against France in 2022. In life, be fearless like these Cape Verdean players.”

Argentina pay tribute

The admiration extended beyond Africa, with captain Lionel Messi congratulating Cape Verde for their performance after the match.

“We knew this would be a very tough match. In the World Cup, no one gives you anything for free. Now it’s about resting, learning from today, and focusing on the next game. Also, congratulations to Cape Verde for that great performance,” Messi said.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also admitted his side had been pushed to the limit.

“There are no easy opponents. Congratulations to Cape Verde.

“Even though everyone thought it would be an easy game, we were the first to know it wouldn’t be.

“We were hit at key moments, but we always kept pushing and looking for the win,” he said.

Scaloni added after the match that it would have been “madness” to underestimate the African side.

“We have to congratulate the opponent. When people say there are no easy opponents, they proved today that they are a great team,” he said.

Cape Verde impressed during their maiden World Cup appearance by remaining unbeaten in regulation time.

Drawn in Group H against tough Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, one may think the small islander may not live long.

But they drew all three group stage matches, qualifying as second in their group to progress to the last 32, where Argentina eventually eliminated them after extra time.

Although their fairytale run ended in the knockout stage, Cape Verde left the tournament with an enhanced reputation after earning plaudits from fans and opponents alike.