Nigeria’s Flying Eagles kicked off their 24th FIFA U20 World Cup campaign with a narrow 0-1 defeat to Norway on Monday, a result that belied their spirited performance and relentless attacking play.
The Europeans struck early from the penalty spot in the 9th minute, a decision hotly contested by the Nigerians. But the two-time silver medallists refused to be deflated, pouring forward with wave after wave of attacking football that left the opposition clinging desperately to their slender advantage.
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Kparobo Arierhi came inches away from restoring parity in the 47th minute when his left-footed strike skimmed wide of the post with the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. Sixteen minutes later, fortune again deserted the Flying Eagles as Tahir Maigana’s venomous drive rattled the upright.
The pressure was relentless. Norway packed bodies in the box, blocking and clearing desperately, as Nigeria carved chance after chance. The crowd thought the equalizer had come in the 71st minute when Nasiru Salihu unleashed a rocket from the right, only for it to sail agonizingly over the crossbar.
Still, the Eagles pressed. Seven minutes from time, Maigana once again threatened with a long-range thunderbolt that whistled narrowly wide. But the breakthrough never came, and the final whistle left the Nigerians ruing their luck on a night when they deserved far more.
With Saudi Arabia up next on Thursday, the Flying Eagles will be determined to convert dominance into goals and reignite their World Cup charge.
