Nigeria’s Flying Eagles made a frustrating start to their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign in Chile as they slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Norway in Talca on Monday evening.
Rasmus Holten’s ninth-minute penalty, awarded after a video review spotted a handball in the Nigerian box, proved the difference in a game the Africans largely dominated but failed to convert their chances.
The two-time silver medallists almost stunned the Scandinavians inside three minutes when Kparobo Arierhi rattled the crossbar with a fierce strike. Moments later, Holten calmly converted from the spot to put Norway ahead.
The Europeans nearly doubled their advantage when Luca Hoyland slalomed through midfield and teed up Gustav Nyheim, who failed to finish from close range.
From then on, Nigeria launched wave after wave of attacks. Arierhi went close again just after the break, while Tahir Maigana struck the base of the upright in the 63rd minute.
The Flying Eagles also had two penalty appeals waved away in the second half, adding to their frustration. Aliyu Zubairu’s side thought they had levelled in the 71st minute, but Nasiru Salihu’s rising shot flew just over the bar.
With time running out, Maigana unleashed a powerful long-range strike seven minutes from time, but his effort flashed narrowly wide as Norway clung on.
Despite dominating play and creating several chances, Nigeria were left empty-handed at the final whistle. Norway’s victory sees them join Colombia at the top of Group F, while the Flying Eagles will aim to bounce back when they face Saudi Arabia in their second group match on Thursday.