Nigeria’s Flying Eagles suffered a disappointing start to their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign in Chile, falling 1-0 to Norway in Talca on Monday evening.
Rasmus Holten scored the game’s only goal from the penalty spot in the ninth minute after a video review confirmed a handball in the Nigerian box.
Despite dominating much of the contest, the Flying Eagles failed to convert their chances. Kparobo Arierhi came close early on, rattling the crossbar inside three minutes, while Tahir Maigana struck the post midway through the second half.
Nigeria also had two penalty appeals waved away and saw several attempts narrowly miss target, including Nasiru Salihu’s rising shot in the 71st minute. With time running out, Maigana’s long-range effort flashed just wide as Norway held on for victory.
The result leaves Norway level on points with Colombia at the top of Group F. The Flying Eagles will look to bounce back when they face Saudi Arabia in their second group match on Thursday.
