Nigeria’s Flying Eagles endured a frustrating start to their 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign, falling 1-0 to Norway on Monday night in Talca, Chile.

The match was decided early, as Rasmus Holten struck from the penalty spot in the ninth minute after VAR confirmed a handball inside the Nigerian area. Despite dominating much of the contest, Aliyu Zubairu’s men could not turn their pressure into goals.

The Flying Eagles almost opened the scoring inside three minutes when Kparobo Arierhi rattled the crossbar with a fierce strike. But moments later, Holten converted from 12 yards to punish Nigeria.

Norway came close to doubling their lead through Gustav Nyheim, but his close-range effort went wide. That miss sparked a spirited Nigerian response, with chances falling to Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, and Nasiru Salihu, but poor finishing and the woodwork denied them an equaliser.

Twice Nigeria had strong penalty appeals waved away, adding to their frustration. In the closing stages, Maigana’s long-range strike flashed agonisingly wide, sealing Nigeria’s fate.

The result leaves the Flying Eagles bottom of Group F, with Norway joining Colombia at the summit. Nigeria must now regroup ahead of Thursday’s crucial second group game against Saudi Arabia.