W/Cup: Why Flying Eagles Lost To Norway – Zubairu

Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu has revealed the reasons behind the team’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Norway in their opening game at the 2025 U-20 World Cup.

Nigeria dominated the encounter, but their opponents defended staunchly to frustrate the Flying Eagles.

Norway went ahead after they were awarded a debatable penalty in the 9th minute, but the Flying Eagles fought hard to redeem things, only to be denied a penalty on two occasions in the second half.

Kparobo Arierhi’s left-footed shot inside the box drifted just wide in the 47th minute, with the goalkeeper completely beaten, and in the 63rd minute, Tahir Maigana’s left-footed shot inside the box was stopped by the base of the upright.

Zubairu said his players were unlucky to lose against Norway while backing them to bounce back against Saudi Arabia.

He said, “The boys played their hearts out. They did everything humanly possible to make sure we won the match.

“Even from the start, we created chances, but unfortunately, our efforts kept hitting the bar. It just felt like we weren’t lucky.

“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.

“We are going to think about the next match. We just have to pick up the three points.”

In the other Group F match, Colombia defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0.

The Flying Eagles will take on Saudi Arabia in their second match of the competition on Thursday.