Norway got off to a winning start at the FIFA U-20 World Cup with a narrow 1–0 victory over Nigeria in their opening Group Stage match on Sunday.

The tightly contested encounter saw both sides create chances, but it was the Europeans who made theirs count midway through a nine-minute penalty kick converted by Rasmus Holten. In what could have been a night of penalty kicks, Nigeria’s two appeal for penalty in the second half were overruled after VAR review.

Nigeria, two-time runners-up at the tournament, pushed hard for an equaliser but were let down by poor finishing and a resolute Norwegian defence.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s  team started brightly but gradually lost control in midfield as Norway’s technical play and physical presence took effect. The result leaves Nigeria needing a positive outcome in their next group game to revive qualification hopes.

Norway, making their return to the U-20 World Cup after several years, now top the group temporarily with three points, while Nigeria will aim to bounce back in their next outing.

Both teams will return to action later this week as group-stage battles intensify in the chase for a place in the Round of 16.

Nigeria will take on Saudi Arabia while Norway will play against Colombia on Thursday.

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Two-time runners-up, Nigeria’s under-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, will begin their quest for a maiden FIFA U-20 World Cup title this Monday when they take on Norway in their opening Group F match at the Estadio Fiscal.

Led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, the seven-time African champions head into the global showpiece with renewed optimism after finishing third at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt — a campaign that also sealed their qualification for the tournament.

The Flying Eagles punched their World Cup ticket by edging defending champions Senegal in a dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout before losing narrowly to eventual winners South Africa in the semi-finals. They wrapped up their campaign with a 4–1 shootout victory over hosts Egypt to claim bronze.

Nigeria, making their 14th appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, are still chasing their first crown after falling at the final hurdle in 1989and 2005. At the last edition in Argentina 2023, the team reached the quarter-finals before bowing out to Korea Republic.

The Flying Eagles will play all their group games in Chile’s southern city of Talca. After Monday’s curtain-raiser against Norway, they face Saudi Arabia on October 2 and Colombiaon October 5.

Head coach Zubairu, who took charge in September 2024, has blended experience with emerging talent.

The former El-Kanemi Warriors boss guided the Maiduguri side to Federation Cup glory before accepting the national team job. His tactical discipline and calm leadership have earned him respect across the domestic scene, following earlier stints with Wikki Tourist and Gombe United.

Captain Daniel Bameyi, the team’s inspirational leader, is among the players expected to shine. The 19-year-old defender, already capped three times by the Super Eagles, was named in the Best XI at the U-20 AFCON and is making his second appearance at this level.

Another name drawing attention is Kparobo Arierhi, the teenage striker who recently joined Norwegian top-flight side Lillestrom after a prolific spell at Beyond Limits Academy.

Arierhi’s eye for goal — 22 strikes in 15 games at the NNL level — makes him one of the team’s brightest prospects.

As Zubairu’s young side prepares for Monday’s opener, expectations are high that Nigeria’s “Class of 2025” can finally deliver the elusive U-20 world crown — and rekindle memories of past Flying Eagles teams that came close to global glory.

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Nigeria’s U20 men’s national team, the Flying Eagles, have secured a place in the final of the WAFU B U20 Championship in Ghana after a tense and dramatic semi-final clash against Niger Republic on Saturday evening.

 The tightly contested encounter ended goalless after 90 minutes, with the Flying Eagles prevailing 4-3 in the ensuing penalty shootout.

In a match dominated by Nigeria in terms of possession and attacking intent, the defending champions found it difficult to break down a resolute Nigerien defence.

The Flying Eagles created several scoring opportunities, registering three shots off target in the first half, while the opposition failed to threaten Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.

The second half saw a more aggressive approach from the Nigerian side, who ramped up their offensive pressure.

However, Niger Republic maintained a compact defensive formation, deploying as many as seven players behind the ball to stifle Nigeria’s attacking efforts.

With neither side able to find the back of the net in regulation time, the tie was settled via penalty kicks.

 Harcourt provided the early advantage for Nigeria by saving Niger’s first attempt, though Nigerian defender Tahir Maigana also missed his spot-kick.

Ultimately, the Flying Eagles held their nerve better, converting four of their five kicks while Niger Republic managed only three.

 The result ensured Nigeria’s progression to the final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final clash between hosts Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

The victory also keeps Nigeria on track to defend the WAFU B U20 title and potentially secure qualification for the next Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

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