Nigeria’s Flying Eagles endured a tough start to their 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign, falling 1-0 to Norway in a Group Stage clash on Monday. Head coach Aliyu Zubairu described the defeat as “unlucky,” insisting his players deserved more from the game.
The encounter saw the Flying Eagles dominate possession for long spells, creating several clear chances but failing to find the back of the net. Norway, on the other hand, made the most of their limited opportunities, with captain Rasmus Holten Markus Andersen scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot as early as the 9th minute of the game.
Nigeria controlled the game’s possession, but Norway were pretty strong at the back defense. Zubairu claimed that despite their best efforts, his team was unfortunate not to win the match.
“The boys played their hearts out. They did everything humanly possible to make sure we won the match,” Zubairu said during his interaction with the media after the game.
“Even from the start, we created chances, but unfortunately, our efforts kept hitting the bar. It just felt like we weren’t lucky.”
Zubairu stated that it is now crucial for his squad to secure all three points available in their next match against Saudi Arabia on Thursday at the U-20 World Cup.
“Possession doesn’t win matches. If just one of our attempts had gone in, it would have changed the situation. But that is the way the game comes, and we have to take it as it is,” added Zubairu.
“We are going to think about the next match. We just have to pick up the three points.”
