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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were edged out 1-0 by Norway in their opening Group F fixture of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Talca on Monday night, undone by a first-half penalty and a dose of misfortune in front of goal, Footynaija.com reports.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side came close to a dream start when Kparobo Arierhi broke through inside three minutes, only to see his low strike cannon off the post.
Moments later, VAR intervened at the other end, ruling that captain Daniel Bameyi had handled inside the area. Rasmus Holten calmly converted from the spot in the ninth minute to put Norway ahead.
Nigeria dominated possession from then on but lacked a cutting edge against a disciplined Scandinavian backline.
Their frustration grew after the interval when Tahir Maigana, played through by Arierhi, rattled the woodwork for the second time.
The Flying Eagles threw on Charles Agada and Abdullahi Shiitu Ele in search of an equaliser, with half-chances falling their way, but Norway stood firm.
Five minutes from time, Nigeria thought they had been handed a lifeline when another Norwegian handball was checked by VAR.
After a lengthy review, the referee controversially waved play on, judging the ball had struck the defender’s chest before deflecting onto his arm.
It was a cruel finish for Nigeria, who will feel aggrieved not to have earned at least a point. For Norway, it was a disciplined performance that delivered three valuable points to start their campaign.
