Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their campaign at the 24th FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile with a 0-1 loss to Norway on Monday.
The match was decided by a controversial 9th-minute penalty, which the Nigerian players strongly contested.
Despite dominating much of the encounter, particularly in the second half, the Flying Eagles failed to take their chances.
Kparobo Arierhi came close just after the break, but his effort drifted wide, while Tahir Maigana’s 63rd-minute strike rattled the upright.
The Nigerians pressed hard with further attempts from Nasiru Salihu and Maigana again, but the Norwegians defended deep to hold on to their early lead.
Nigeria also had two penalty appeals waved away by the referee, leaving the two-time runners-up frustrated.
The Flying Eagles will look to bounce back when they face Saudi Arabia in their second group match on Thursday.
