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From Poland to Morocco to Kenya, Sunday proved a painful day for Nigerian sport as three national teams suffered defeats on the international stage, while the domestic football scene produced its own dose of drama.
The biggest pain came in Łódź, where the Falconets’ dream of competing in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup ended cruelly after a 1-0 quarter-final loss to Colombia.
Also Read: Newcomer: Nigeria Green Hawks fall 68-30 to world No. 6 Uganda in Africa Netball Qualifier
Nigeria struggled with 10 players after Kafayat Mafisere was sent off in the 77th minute and appeared to have forced extra time before Valerin Loboa scored in the 90+2 minute to send Colombia to the semi-finals. Janet Akekoromowei had earlier hit the crossbar as Nigeria threatened to break the deadlock.
There was more disappointment 2,000 kilometers away in Rabat, where Morocco completed a 4-0 Davis Cup victory over Nigeria.
Already trailing 2-0 after Saturday’s singles, Nigerians Michael Emmanuel and Yusuf Abubakar lost Sunday’s decisive doubles 6-3, 6-2 before Amine Jamji defeated Emmanuel 6-3, 6-4 in the reverse singles. Consequently, Morocco advanced to the 2027 World Group I play-offs.
Nigeria’s historic netball adventure also ran into another brutal test in Nairobi.
The Green Hawks, competing in their first major international tournament, suffered a 68-30 loss to Uganda, a day after beginning their Netball World Cup 2027 qualifying campaign with a 61-40 loss to hosts Kenya.
At home, the NPFL achieved contrasting results. Inter Lagos shocked Enyimba 1-0 in Aba, leaving the nine-time champions without a point, while Kano Pillars crushed Doma United 4-1. Rangers defeated Kun Khalifat 4-2, Abia Warriors beat Sporting Lagos 2-0 and Rivers United drew 1-1 at Nasarawa United.
It was a Sunday full of fight but little international reward for Nigeria: World Cup hopes extinguished in Poland, Davis Cup ambitions halted in Rabat and another tough lesson for netball’s new Green Hawks in Nairobi.
