Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their campaign at the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Norway on Monday, despite dominating much of the contest and creating several scoring chances.
Norway took the lead in the 9th minute through a disputed penalty. The Flying Eagles pushed hard for an equalizer but were denied penalty appeals twice in the second half.
Kparobo Arierhi went close in the 47th minute when his shot drifted wide with the goalkeeper beaten, while Tahir Maigana’s effort struck the upright midway through the second half. Nasiru Salihu also came close in the 71st minute, but his rising shot sailed just over the crossbar.
Nigeria maintained pressure in the closing stages, but Norway held firm with resolute defending to secure the win.
The Flying Eagles, two-time finalists at the competition, will face Saudi Arabia in their second group match on Thursday.
