Sports
SOME Spanish nationals in Nigeria on Monday celebrated their national team’s gritty 1-0 victory over Argentina at the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, U.S.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Spanish nationals gathered to watch the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at Churrasco Restaurant, 1C Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The restaurant erupted with excitement as Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to help the European Champions lift the trophy in the presence of American President Donald Trump.
Speaking with NAN, some of the Spanish nationals expressed satisfaction with La Roja’s tactical display, which kept Argentina’s La Albiceleste in check.
NAN further reports that La Roja, the reigning European champions, won the FIFA World Cup for the second time, 16 years after lifting their first title in South Africa in 2010.
Spain’s substitute, Ferran Torres, scored in the 106th minute of extra time after his side largely dominated possession and registered 20 shots on target.
They were denied severally by Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez’s heroic display between the sticks.
Hiero Lapaz, one of the fans, told NAN at the end of the match that the Spanish team defied the odds to win the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
“Not many gave us a bright chance, even here in Nigeria. Many fans were tipping France or Argentina to win the World Cup.
“They were not looking at our side in spite of the fact that we are the European champions. But when we defeated France, we got a lot of supporters here at the restaurant.
“The Spanish team is a silent killer. They don’t have as many fans as France, but we showed that we are better by beating them and Argentina in the finals.
“Congratulations to Spain and to everybody,” he said.
Another fan, who simply identified himself as Custa, said the Spanish team has some of the best midfielders in the world.
“Our midfielders, especially our captain, Rodri Hernández, are still the best in the world. We also have Pedri, Martín Zubimendi and Lamine Yamal. They are great players.
“Playing against Spain cannot be easy because the midfielders can change the course of a match at any time.
“Rodri, especially, helped the team a lot to achieve the World Cup dream,” he said.
A Nigerian fan, Tola Adekoya, told NAN that the just-concluded World Cup should go down as one of the best ever in spite of some controversies.
“I still believe the 2026 World Cup is the best in recent times, considering the quality of football displayed by the participating countries.
“It is also the tournament Africa has been waiting for, to show that it can compete with other continents.
“Countries such as Morocco, Cabo Verde, who held Spain, as well as Egypt and Senegal, all tried their best.
“The quality of play from the two finalists, Spain and Argentina, was excellent. Although Spain had the upper hand, the match was not decided until extra time.
“Congratulations to Spain for winning the World Cup. They are deserving champions,” he said. (NAN)
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Tags: nigeria Spanish Nationals