Nigeria’s Flying Eagles suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Norway in their opening Group D match of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile on Monday.
The only goal of the game came in the ninth minute when Rasmus Holten calmly converted a penalty, handing Norway all three points.
Despite the early setback, the Flying Eagles controlled large portions of the match but were repeatedly denied by missed opportunities.
Kparobo Arierhi came closest to scoring in the third minute, only to see his effort strike the post.
Israel Ayuma threatened on 15 minutes but was unable to find the net, while Arierhi squandered another golden chance just two minutes into the second half.
Maigana and Nasiru Salihi both went close in the 63rd minute and the closing stages, respectively, but the Flying Eagles could not break through.
Ayuma had another attempt late in the match but once again missed the target, leaving Nigeria searching for their first goal of the tournament.
The Flying Eagles now turn their attention to their next Group D clash against Saudi Arabia, scheduled for the early hours of Friday.
