DAILY POST reports that Nigeria, on Monday night, was defeated 1-0 by the host nation at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
The Super Falcons came into the game, needing at least a point to give themselves a good chance of qualifying for the Round of 16.
However, having held on for most of the game, the African champions conceded a penalty in the 75th minute.
Wendie Renard missed her first kick, but referee Melissa Paola Borjas Pastrana ordered for it to be retaken, while showing a yellow card to Chiamaka Nnadozie for not keeping a foot on the line.
Renard made no mistakes the second time, as the hosts finished top of the group with nine points.
However, reacting on social media, some Nigerians lamented about racism against Super Falcons during their match with France.
Here are some reactions gathered by DAILY POST from Twitter:
@Akaebube “France 1 – 0 Nigeria that Referee did her youth service in Buhari’s NBC. She was looking for anything in the rules to gag us. Any small thing, she will say we’ve crossed the “RED” Line.”
@Lesegodebaks “We are fighting racism and Injustices” said someone from FIFA, but what happened to Nigeria it was a clear practice of racism and Injustices activities. Super Falcons you are the best. Africa the best producer of Sports.”
@JenaaitUtsteeds “Dear Nigerians, @LMCNPFL Dutch TV discovered that the second French penalty is INVALID because French player Amandine Henry was too soon into the box. Nigeria football should LODGE an official protest! It’s an outrage!
@realdanielemeka “Appreciation Tweet to this Falcon, well done Nnadozie.”
@SirLeoDaSilva “How can that be a penalty when she didn’t have the ball under control?
@Jibolaojelade “#NGAFRA,Truly, it is FIFA;
F- Football
I- Isn’t
F- For
A Africa
@Abiodunmatthe18 “Despite the day light robbery against FIFA, referee, VAR, Commentator, they can only achieve a goal.
Nigerians are very proud of Super falcons. I pray we qualify.”
@ChijokeUchev “Sadly, the Super Falcons were playing against the French team, the commentator and the referee. At a point, VAR and FIFA sided with their opponents. It’s a miracle that we only lost by one goal.”
@Aracb1 “In marxist terms, I would say the penalties in this world cup are a tool for the big teams to oppress the poor teams.”
@SlothyST30 “Nigeria’s whole team put up an excellent fight and managed to keep a team like France 0-0 until The refs ruined it for them. Sorry Nigeria deserved that win.”
@Tonyoboh4 “The referee for the France Nigerian match was so bad, why red card the Nigerian player, they both where inside the 18 and struggling for the Ball then the France player just fell I feel so bad and will not watch FIFA tournament again never!
@Kedrabrown “Player of the match is the Goalie from Nigeria! She is incredible at only 18 yrs! They should make a rule that you can’t STOP mid run and fake out goalie to make her move early… she made the stop. This rule sucks bc kicker has total advantage.”
@Officilmaxwin “It been long we saw this kind of passion in the Nigeria football team.”
@communitykeb “So VAR can see the Nigerian goalkeeper and inch off the line, but can’t see a French player a meter into the box? #NGAFRA VAR is not for this purpose!
@Chiefowuo “FIFA rules, it’s such a shame that they couldn’t abide by some of their own rules in Nigeria vs France.”
@Coolnab2 “FIFA don show us pepper again, but the girls tried, I wish them a safe best loser position so that they will have the opportunity to prove themselves to the world.“
@Temitopeomoniyi “Great job, Chiamaka!
We’re proud of your spirited performance for Super Falcons and Nigeria as a whole.You deserve some accolades!
