Nigeria denied by early Norway penalty in U-20 World Cup opener

Nigeria’s U-20 side were left frustrated after falling 1-0 to Norway in their FIFA U-20 World Cup Group F opener in Talca, with an early penalty proving decisive.

Rasmus Holten struck from the spot in the ninth minute after a VAR review judged a Nigerian handball inside the area.

Despite a spirited response from the Flying Eagles, they could not find a breakthrough, striking the woodwork twice in a game where missed chances proved costly.

Nigeria almost made the perfect start when Kparobo Arierhi rattled the crossbar inside three minutes, only for Norway to punish them soon after through Holten’s spot-kick.

The Europeans nearly doubled their advantage when Luca Hoyland slalomed past two defenders, but Gustav Nyheim failed to convert from close range.

Ladan Bosso’s men controlled long spells of the second half, with Tahir Maigana agonisingly close to equalising when his shot struck the post on 62 minutes.

Despite mounting late pressure, Nigeria could not find a way past Norway’s resilient back line.

Norway coach Bjorn Johansen admitted his team were tested, saying: “Winning is very important, getting the three points. We have to improve our game, but Nigeria is a very tough opponent.”

The result leaves Nigeria with work to do ahead of their next Group F matches against Saudi Arabia and Colombia, as they aim to keep their qualification hopes alive.