Flying Eagles Fall 1–0 to Norway in U-20 World Cup Opener Despite Dominant Display

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their U-20 World Cup campaign in Chile on a disappointing note, suffering a narrow 1–0 defeat to Norway in Talca on Sunday.

The decisive moment came as early as the ninth minute when Norway were awarded a penalty, which was calmly converted to hand the Europeans an early lead. That setback forced Nigeria to chase the game, and although the Flying Eagles piled on pressure throughout, especially in the second half, their finishing and luck deserted them.

Coach Ladan Bosso’s boys dominated possession and created several clear chances after the break. Just two minutes into the restart, Kparobo Arierhi came close but saw his effort drift narrowly wide with the goalkeeper beaten. Minutes later, Tahir Maigana’s left-footed shot rattled the base of the upright, denying Nigeria a deserved equalizer.

The pressure continued as Nasiru Salihu sent a rising shot just over the bar in the 71st minute, while Maigana again threatened with a long-range strike that missed by inches.

The Flying Eagles also appealed for penalties on at least two occasions in the second half, but the referee waved away their protests.

Despite their relentless push, the goal never came, leaving Nigeria empty-handed after a performance that suggested they deserved more.

Norway, on the other hand, held firm to claim all three points and get their Group Stage campaign off to a flying start.

The result places the Flying Eagles under pressure ahead of their next group fixture against Saudi Arabia.

With only two matches left to secure qualification, Nigeria will need sharper finishing and a touch of fortune if they are to keep their hopes alive in Chile.