U-20 World Cup: Aliyu Zubairu claims Nigeria deserved more in loss to Norway

Head coach of Nigeria‘s under 20 men’s national team, Aliyu Zubairu believes that the Flying Eagles deserved a more favorable outcome in their 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup Group F opener against Norway on Monday.

Nigeria opened their campaign in the competition in the defeat column as they fell to a solitary goal, losing 1-0 to the Europeans.

Norway were awarded a penalty early in the game when captain Daniel Bameyi handled the ball inside the box.

Captain Rasmus Holten stepped up to convert for the only goal of the game.

Zubairu reacting after the game, praised his players on pushing forward despite going behind so early in the contest.

“The boys played their hearts out. They did everything humanly possible to make sure we won the match.

Even from the start, we created chances, but unfortunately our efforts kept hitting the bar. It just felt like we weren’t lucky.”

The Flying Eagles dominated possession and created a number of matches but were let down by their poor finishing.

Zubairu’s men will be looking to bounce back when they face Saudi Arabia in their next game on Thursday.

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