Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks are now the only African teams to score at least two goals against Argentina in a FIFA World Cup match, following Cape Verde’s spirited performance at the ongoing 2026 tournament.

Cape Verde achieved the feat during a dramatic Round of 32 clash in Miami, where the tournament debutants lost 3-2 to Argentina after extra time. The island nation twice fought back to level the score before eventually bowing out, becoming the second African side to score multiple goals against the South American giants at the World Cup.

The result also brought back memories of Nigeria’s memorable encounter with Argentina at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

In that Group F match, the Super Eagles lost 3-2, with Ahmed Musa scoring both of Nigeria’s goals in an outstanding display. Despite the defeat, Nigeria advanced to the knockout stage after finishing second in the group.

Argentina had taken an early lead before Musa responded almost immediately with an equaliser. Lionel Messi restored Argentina’s advantage before halftime with a free-kick, but Musa struck again shortly after the restart to level the game for a second time. Marcos Rojo eventually scored the winner to secure victory for the South Americans.

Musa’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award ahead of Messi, with the Argentine captain later praising the Nigerian forward for his display.

Cape Verde’s achievement has now placed them alongside Nigeria in the World Cup record books. Their impressive tournament run included group-stage draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia before their narrow elimination by Argentina.

Although both teams ended up on the losing side, their ability to score twice against Argentina remains a rare milestone for African nations at the FIFA World Cup.