Flying Eagles Fall 1-0 to Norway in Opening Match

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were unlucky to lose 1-0 to Norway in their first match at the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup on Monday, despite dominating the game and creating several chances, especially in the second half.

Norway took the lead in the 9th minute from a disputed penalty, but the Flying Eagles kept pressing and were denied penalty calls on two occasions after the break.

Kparobo Arierhi almost levelled in the 47th minute, but his left-footed strike inside the box drifted just wide with the goalkeeper beaten. In the 63rd minute, Tahir Maigana came close again, but his powerful effort hit the base of the post.

Nigeria, two-time runners-up in the competition, piled pressure on the Europeans, but Norway defended deep with numbers in the box and blocked several attempts.

The crowd thought an equaliser had come in the 71st minute when midfielder Nasiru Salihu fired from the right, but his shot flew just over the crossbar.

With seven minutes left, Maigana tried again from distance, only to miss narrowly.

The Flying Eagles will now face Saudi Arabia in their second group match on Thursday.