Nigeria began their 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup campaign on a disappointing note, falling 1-0 to Norway in a closely contested match at the Estadio Fiscal in Talca.
The Flying Eagles showed early promise, and just three minutes in, Kparobo Arierh rattled the crossbar with a thunderous effort after latching onto a fine pass from Salihu Nasiru.
The decisive moment came in the ninth minute when Rasmus Holten beat Ebenezer Harcourt from the penalty mark after a video review ruled that captain Daniel Bameyi had handled the ball inside the box.
Nigeria nearly found an equaliser later in the first half, but Israel Ayuma’s sharp attempt was denied by goalkeeper Einar Fauskanger.
At the other end, Norway almost doubled their lead before the break, only for Gustav Nyheim to miss a golden chance from Luca Hoyland’s delivery.
Nigeria raised their intensity after halftime and pressed for a breakthrough, even unsuccessfully appealing for a video review late in the game. Yet, despite their improved display, coach Aliyu Zubair’s men could not find a way through the organised Norwegian defence.
Norway coach Bjorn Johansen expressed his delight with the result but stressed that his team will continue to improve.
"Winning is very important, getting the three points. Every game is going to be fought until the end," he said.
"Now we'll play a final against Saudi Arabia. But three points in our debut, in a World Cup, is very important. We have to improve our game, but the structure is good and Nigeria is a very tough opponent."
Elsewhere, reigning African U20 champions South Africa fell 2-1 to France at the Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua.
The French side began brightly, with Tadjidine Mmadi sending an effort narrowly wide before Mayssam Benama struck the base of the post.
Their pressure paid off in the 25th minute when Anthony Bermont drilled a low shot into the net from just inside the area.
A few moments later, Kutlwano Letlhaku danced his way into the French penalty area, only to be brought down by Elyaz Zidane. Jody Ahshene calmly converted the resulting penalty to bring the match level.
With 10 minutes remaining, Lucas Michal produced a moment of brilliance, turning sharply on the edge of the box before driving inside and firing a powerful strike into the bottom-right corner to seal victory for Bernard Diomede’s men.
"Our goal was to succeed in this first match with a victory. It's important, when entering the competition, to gain confidence and win with style," France coach Bernard Diomede told the media.
"We worked well this week. We have a supportive team. We found a collective spirit. I am very proud and very happy with the players and the staff, because we did a big job. The week wasn't easy.
"This match was important for us, to get started in the competition and to give playing time to all the players, even if some didn’t get as much time as they had hoped. I'm pleased to see that the players in the dressing room are very happy."
Nigeria will be hoping to return to winning ways when they face Saudi Arabia on October 2nd, while South Africa takes on New Caledonia on the same day.
