Nigeria’s Flying Eagles slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Norway on Monday night as they began their 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign in Talca, Chile.If You’re Reading From Phoenix Click On Read Original at the top To Read Full Article
The decisive moment came in the ninth minute when Rasmus Holten converted a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a handball in the Nigerian box. Despite dominating large spells of the match, Aliyu Zubairu’s team were left frustrated by a series of missed opportunities.
The Flying Eagles almost made an explosive start when Kparobo Arierhi’s thunderous strike cannoned off the crossbar inside the opening three minutes. But moments later, they were punished as Holten coolly slotted home from the spot.
Norway pushed for a second, with Luca Hoyland carving through midfield before setting up Gustav Nyheim, who failed to hit the target from close range. That let-off sparked Nigeria into life, and they created chance after chance in search of an equaliser.
Arierhi went close again just after the restart, firing wide with the goalkeeper beaten. In the 63rd minute, Tahir Maigana thought he had levelled, only to see his shot rebound off the base of the upright.
The Nigerians had two strong penalty appeals turned down in the second half, heightening their sense of frustration. Nasiru Salihu also went close with a rising effort in the 71st minute that cleared the bar, while Maigana’s powerful drive in the closing stages whistled inches past the post.
Norway held firm, sitting deep and defending in numbers until the final whistle, leaving Nigeria with nothing to show for their dominance.
The defeat leaves the Flying Eagles bottom of Group F, while Norway joined Colombia at the top of the standings. Nigeria will face Saudi Arabia in their second group stage game on Thursday.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
