The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will be looking to begin their 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup on a strong note, when they lock horns with Norway at the Estasio Fiscal de Talca, Chile, on Monday.
The kickoff time is set for 9PM West African time, and it promises to be a competitive encounter as both teams will be looking to show their quality.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu and his lads qualified for this tournament by reaching the semifinals of the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
BRONZE MEDALISTS
The Flying Eagles take home the bronze. #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/A7A9HimLFA
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However, they were not entirely convincing in that tournament. But coach Zubairu and his lads will will be hoping to produced a better performance to get the support of the fans quickly.
Nigeria and Norway at the Under-20 FIFA World Cup
Norway have not been at the Under-20 World Cup since the 2019 edition. That was the edition that saw Erling Braut Haaland rise to global prominence.
The failed to qualify for the knockout rounds, but they left with a bang, as they smashed Honduras 12-0 in their final group game. Haaland scored a remarkable nine goals in that game.
Meanwhile, Nigeria are regulars in the competition, having failed to qualify for the biennial competition just three times since the turn of the century.
The Flying Eagles were at the last Under-20 World Cup last time in 2023, and they were knocked out in the quarterfinals after a 1-0 loss to South Korea.
Both countries have never won the competition. Nigeria’s best finish came in 1989 and 2005, when they finished as runners-up, while Norway have never gone past the group stages.
Norway vs Nigeria: Head-to-Head
Nigeria and Norway have never met at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two countries.
Match details
- Fixture: Norway U20 vs Nigeria U20
- Venue: Estadio Fisca de Talca, Chile
- Kick-off: Sunday GMT / 21:00 local time
- Competition: 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup (Group F)
Possible Lineups
Nigeria (4-3-3): Ebenezer Harcourt; Daniel Bameyi, Odinaka Okoro, Ahmed Olamide, Ocheche Amos ; Auwal Ibrahim, Daniel Daga, Israel Ayuma; Charles Agada, Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Kparobo Arierhi.
Norway (4-3-3): Magnus Brondbo; Ethan Amundsen-Day, Aleksander Andresen, Casper Glenna, Markus Haaland; Martin Haheim-Elveseter, Henrik Melland; Mats Pedersen, , Hakon Rosten, Kasper Saetherbo, Nkota Hola Visted.
Prediction
According to odds from different bookies, Nigeria and Norway are evenly matched. However, the Flying Eagles might just edge it slightly if the players find some chemistry on the pitch.
Also, the Norwegians might struggle due to the sharp change in weather. Most of them ply their trade at home, and it is usually freezing cold there.
Chile will be significantly warmer, and that would favour the Nigerian players more that the Norwegians. It won’t be a big win, but the Flying Eagles should be able to edge it slightly. 1-0 or 2-