By Victor Okoye

Flying Eagles Head Coach, Aliyu Zubair, has blamed missed chances for Nigeria’s 1-0 loss to Norway in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Group A match was played at Estadio Fiscal de Talca on Monday.

Zubair, however, praised his players’ determination and team spirit in spite of the narrow defeat.

“The boys played their hearts out. They did everything humanly possible to win the match.

“We created many chances from the start, but our efforts kept hitting the bar. It just wasn’t our day,” he said.

Nigeria dominated possession and created multiple opportunities but failed to convert, as Norway’s defence held firm under pressure.

Zubair said the outcome showed the unpredictable nature of football.

“Possession doesn’t win matches. If one of those chances had gone in, it would have been different, but this is football; we take the result and move on.”

He said the team would now focus on their next game against Saudi Arabia.

“We must pick up the three points. That’s our focus now,” he said.

Nigeria will next play Saudi Arabia in a must-win Group F match to revive their hopes of advancing from the group stage. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne