Oliseh condemns Argentina’s post‑final conduct, thanks God Spain won World Cup
Former Nigeria head coach Sunday Oliseh has criticised Argentina players for their conduct after their 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain in New Jersey on Sunday, July 20, 2026. Oliseh said Argentina players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina hit Spain’s Eric García and Rodri, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala struck Dani Olmo after the final whistle. Speaking on his Sunday Oliseh Global Football Insights show, Oliseh declared, “Thank God that Spain won the World Cup on Sunday,” and added that the team’s positive football was important because “the negative football that the Argentine puts out, it is a bad advertisement for football.” He stressed that fighting after a World Cup final is unacceptable and expressed relief that Spain emerged victorious.
The incident raises questions about sportsmanship at football’s biggest stage and the impact of such behaviour on the game’s image. As a former Super Eagles coach, Oliseh’s remarks carry weight and may fuel debate over whether stronger sanctions are needed to curb post‑match aggression.
How can football authorities ensure better conduct from players and officials after high‑stakes matches to protect the sport’s reputation?