Football fans across Nigeria have reacted with shock and excitement after Paraguay eliminated four-time champions Germany from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Paraguay defeated Germany 4-3 on penalties after both sides played out a 1-1 draw following extra time in their Round of 32 clash.
The South Americans took the lead in the 42nd minute through former Brighton and Ipswich Town forward Julio Enciso, before Germany fought back in the second half through Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz, who headed home a cross from Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Despite dominating large periods of the second half and extra time, Germany failed to find a winner. A late goal from Jonathan Tah was ruled out for a foul on Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
The penalty shootout produced more drama as Germany’s Kai Havertz and Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade both had their penalties saved by Gill. Paraguay also missed opportunities to secure victory before defender Jose Canale calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to send his country into the Round of 16.
The result sparked widespread reactions among Nigerian football fans on social media, with many describing the outcome as one of the biggest shocks of the tournament.
@SportsNaija247 wrote:
“This is why we love the World Cup. Nobody gave Paraguay a chance against Germany. Football remains the most unpredictable game in the world.”
@NaijaFootballTalk posted:
“Germany came with big names and history. Paraguay came with heart, discipline and belief. Congratulations to La Albirroja.”
@AbujaGunner said:
“Kai Havertz scoring during the game and then missing a penalty is the perfect summary of football. Hero and heartbreak in one night.”
@CalabarSportsHub wrote:
“Orlando Gill deserves a statue in Paraguay. What a performance from the goalkeeper.”
@NaijaWorldCupFans commented:
“We have seen Italy, Spain and now Germany suffer major upsets at different World Cups. No team can rely on history anymore.”
@UyoFootballView added:
“Paraguay defended like warriors. Germany had all the possession but could not find a way through.”
@PortHarcourtBall posted:
“The World Cup never disappoints. Paraguay have just written one of the greatest stories of this tournament.”
@LagosFootballExtra wrote:
“Imagine predicting that Germany would be eliminated by Paraguay before the tournament started. Football can be cruel.”
@SuperEaglesUpdates commented:
“This result should give smaller football nations hope. Organisation, discipline and determination can still overcome quality.”
Germany’s exit marks one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Paraguay continue their remarkable campaign and will now face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16.
For Nigerian football fans, the dramatic contest served as another reminder that at the FIFA World Cup, reputation counts for little once the referee blows the whistle.
