Nigeria’s Flying Eagles endured a frustrating start to their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign in Chile, falling 1-0 to Norway on Monday evening in Talca.
The decisive moment came as early as the ninth minute when Rasmus Holten converted from the penalty spot after a VAR check confirmed a handball in the Nigerian box. Despite dominating much of the contest, Aliyu Zubairu’s men were unable to find a breakthrough.
The Flying Eagles almost struck first inside three minutes through Kparobo Arierhi, whose thunderous effort rattled the crossbar.
But their early promise was undone shortly after as Holten calmly dispatched his spot-kick to hand Norway the lead.
Norway nearly extended their advantage when Luca Hoyland’s dazzling solo run carved open Nigeria’s midfield, only for Gustav Nyheim to miss a gilt-edged chance from close range.
From then on, it was Nigeria pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Arierhi went close again just after the interval, while Tahir Maigana was denied by the woodwork in the 63rd minute.
The Flying Eagles also saw two penalty appeals turned down, further adding to their sense of misfortune.
READ ALSO: Falconets Thrash Rwanda to Reach Next Round of World Cup Qualifiers
The pressure continued as Nasiru Salihu’s strike narrowly missed the target midway through the second half, and Maigana’s long-range drive in the closing stages whistled just wide.
Norway, however, defended stoutly and clung to their slender advantage until the final whistle.
With the result, the Scandinavians move level with Colombia at the top of Group F, while Nigeria face an uphill battle in their bid for a maiden U-20 World Cup title.
The Flying Eagles will aim to bounce back when they face Saudi Arabia in their second group match on Thursday.