Nigeria’s U-20 men’s national team, the Flying Eagles, fell 0-1 to Norway in their opening group game at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The Flying Eagles, tipped as favourites ahead of the clash, were undone early in the encounter when Norway struck against the run of play. In the ninth minute, the Europeans were awarded a penalty, calmly converted by Rasmus Holten to hand his side the lead.
That proved to be the only goal of the first half as Norway held firm to take their advantage into the break.
The second half saw Nigeria struggle to break through Norway’s press, with the Flying Eagles creating little in attack. Despite a late push, the Europeans defended resolutely to seal all three points and begin their campaign on a high.
The result leaves Nigeria facing an uphill task in Group D, which also features Norway, Saudi Arabia and Colombia.
The Flying Eagles will look to bounce back when they take on Saudi Arabia in their second group fixture on Friday, October 3, 2025.
