FBoluwatife Kehinde
Following the Flying Eagles’ narrow 1-0 defeat to Norway in their opening match of the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup, head coach Aliyu Zubairu commended his players for their commendable performance and expressed confidence that they deserved a more favorable outcome.
The match commenced under challenging circumstances for Nigeria, as Norway capitalized on a penalty awarded in the 9th minute, with Sondre Holten successfully converting the opportunity, placing the Flying Eagles at an early disadvantage.
Despite this setback, Nigeria effectively managed the tempo of the game and consistently threatened Norway’s defense.
The team generated several scoring opportunities, with players such as Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, and Nasiru Salihu coming close to equalizing.
However, their efforts did not yield results, and Nigeria also faced two contentious penalty appeals that were not acknowledged by the officials.
In his reflections following the match, coach Zubairu conveyed a sense of both disappointment and pride in the team’s performance.
“The players exerted considerable effort and did everything within their means to secure a victory,” he stated.
“We dominated possession and created numerous chances; however, football can be unforgiving. Despite our pressure and positive play, we were unable to convert our opportunities, which is a fundamental aspect of the game. Our focus must now shift to how we can respond in our forthcoming match.”
Zubairu emphasised the necessity of quickly regrouping as the team prepares for a crucial encounter against Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
“We cannot afford to dwell on this loss for an extended period. Our priority is firmly set on the upcoming match against Saudi Arabia, and we must dedicate ourselves to achieving a victory. A second consecutive loss in the group stage would significantly undermine our chances of progression, making the stakes exceptionally high.”
The coach also praised the mentality of his players in the face of adversity. “I am proud of the resilience and courage displayed by these young men against a very disciplined Norway side. We will focus on improving our finishing and return stronger.”
The Flying Eagles, having previously reached the finals of the U20 World Cup on two occasions, must secure a win against Saudi Arabia to maintain their hopes of advancing in the tournament.
