THE Flying Eagles of Nigeria have lost their opening match at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, going down 1-0 to Norway at the Estadio Fiscal in Talca, Chile tonight.
The two-time finalists fell to a ninth minute penalty by Rasmus Holden and, despite their best efforts, were unable to recover.
The Flying Eagles largely dominated play and created several chances, especially in the second half, but Norway held on for the three points.
Norway went ahead after they were awarded a contentious penalty, while the Flying Eagles’ penalty claims were denied twice in the second period.
The Flying Eagles had opportunities when Kparobo Arierhi’s left-footed shot inside the box drifted just wide in the 47th minute, with the goalkeeper completely beaten, and Tahir Maigana’s left-footed shot inside the box in the 63rd minute hit the upright.
The Nigerian side launched attack after attack as they desperately sought to restore parity, but Norway had too many players behind the ball in the box and repelled the attempts.
The Flying Eagles will face Saudi Arabia in their second group fixture on Thursday.