Nigeria’s Flying Eagles kicked off their U20 World Cup campaign in Chile with a tough 1–0 loss to Norway, Footynaija.com reports.
The game in Talca was decided in the eighth minute when Rasmus Holten fired home from the penalty spot, leaving Aliyu Zubairu’s boys chasing from the very start.
As revealed in the report, Nigeria pressed, moved the ball quickly and had moments that worried the Norwegians, but the final ball was missing. A couple of half-chances went begging and the European side grew more confident as they soaked up the pressure.
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Like the country, the Scandinavians gave Nigeria no way through, shutting down every channel and leaving the Flying Eagles frustrated in front of goal.
Veteran coach Samson Unuanel, who has managed clubs like Kwara United, Sunshine Stars and Enyimba, was quick to defend the players’ effort.
“The Flying Eagles gave a good fight after conceding a goal early in the first half. I really can’t blame anyone for the penalty that was awarded to Norway,” he said in a report by Complete Sports.
For Unuanel, the real takeaway wasn’t the result but the way the team stayed in the contest.
“This is just the first game and I expect the players to bounce back to winning ways in their next game,” he added, showing faith that the squad will recover.
He also pointed to discipline and structure as reasons for optimism.
“For me, their organisation really impressed me, and I am optimistic they will make amends in the second group game,” the former Osun United boss added.
Two matches remain for the Flying Eagles, and the they must now sharpen up in front of goal and cut out the small lapses that gave Norway their chance. The fight is still alive, and fans will expect the bounce-back Unuanel has predicted.
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