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Flying Eagles unlucky against Norway – Coach

By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 1, 2025

Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubair believes his team put up a good fight against Norway in the opening game of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, but were unlucky to go down 1-0 against Norway, The PUNCH reports.

The Flying Eagles began their campaign in Chile on a disappointing note on Monday, dominating possession but failing to translate it into goals.

Norway went ahead as early as the ninth minute, and Zubair’s team couldn’t find the breakthrough for the remainder of the game.

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.

They went close again in the 71st minute, when midfielder Nasiru Salihu’s rising shot from the right rose a little too high, shutting the fans anticipation of an eqauliser.

Seven minutes from time, the tireless Maigana missed the target narrowly, as Norway ran out with the win.

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

“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.”

The Flying Eagles will take on Saudi Arabia in their second match on Thursday at 8 pm Chile time and by midnight on Friday (Nigerian time). Zubair expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances in the tournament, turning attention to the must-win clash against Saudi Arabia.

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

Source Punch Ng

Posted October 1, 2025