Nigeria’s Flying Eagles kicked off their 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign on a disappointing note, falling 1-0 to Norway in their opening fixture in Chile. Despite dominating large spells of the match, Aliyu Zubair’s side could not turn their control into goals.
Norway struck early, finding the net in the ninth minute, and that proved to be the difference as Nigeria chased the game without success. The Flying Eagles created several opportunities but were denied by poor finishing and the woodwork.
Shortly after the restart, Kparobo Arierhi came close to leveling matters, but his low strike rolled narrowly wide with the goalkeeper stranded. Midway through the second half, Tahir Maigana rattled the upright with a powerful shot, while Nasiru Salihu’s rising effort in the 71st minute just cleared the bar. The pressure continued, and Maigana, who worked tirelessly throughout the encounter, fired inches off target in the closing stages.
Speaking after the defeat, coach Zubair praised his players’ commitment. “The boys played their hearts out. They did everything humanly possible to make sure we won the match,” he said.
He added, “Even from the start, we created chances, but unfortunately, our efforts kept hitting the bar. It just felt like we weren’t lucky. Possession doesn’t win matches. If just one of our attempts had gone in, it would have changed the situation. But that is the way the game comes, and we have to take it as it is.”
The Flying Eagles now shift focus to their second group match against Saudi Arabia on Thursday at 8 pm local time in Chile (midnight Friday in Nigeria). Zubair remained positive, stressing the importance of bouncing back. “We are going to think about the next match. We just have to pick up the three points,” he said.
