Nigeria’s Flying Eagles endured a frustrating start to their FIFA U20 World Cup journey in Chile after slipping to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Norway in their opening Group game on Monday.
Although the result was disappointing, Head Coach Aliyu Zubair insisted his players showed commitment and determination. He stressed that the setback was more about misfortune than poor execution.
From the onset, the Flying Eagles controlled possession and carved open spaces with clever movement. They created several scoring chances, yet their efforts were repeatedly denied by the woodwork and Norway’s organised defending.
Speaking after the encounter, Zubair expressed admiration for his side’s courage while admitting frustration at the missed opportunities. According to him, luck deserted his team at crucial moments despite their dominance in key areas of the pitch.
Flying Eagles look to bounce back
Zubair reminded observers that football often rewards efficiency, not possession. He admitted that the Flying Eagles lacked the finishing touch that could have turned the tide. “Possession does not win matches,” he noted.
However, the coach quickly shifted focus to the future, insisting the defeat must serve as motivation. He urged his players to maintain belief and channel their energy into the upcoming must-win clash against Saudi Arabia.
Despite the setback, Zubair highlighted the positives, including his team’s resilience and unity under pressure. He stated that the group’s fighting spirit will remain their biggest weapon as the tournament progresses.
With two group games still to play, the Flying Eagles retain hope of advancing. Their immediate challenge will be converting dominance into goals and ensuring efficiency in front of goal against Saudi Arabia.
Tags: Flying Eagles, #U20WorldCup, #U20WC, Norway, Chile, Aliyu Zubair, Saudi Arabia, #FIFAU20WorldCup.
