Nigeria’s Flying Eagles kick off their FIFA U20 World Cup campaign in Chile on Tuesday with a decisive Group D opener against Norway, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ahead of the game, head coach Aliyu Zubairu and his players look to make a bold statement on securing three points in their first game of the campaign.
It has been two decades since Nigeria last reached the final of this tournament, finishing runners-up to Argentina in 2005, and the current squad is determined to end that wait.
What Aliyu Zubairu said ahead of Norway clash
Zubairu has revealed the importance of a fast start, and has told Nigerians that his boys are ready to kick off with a positive impression.
“The first match is very, very important because if you can get it right, it gives you confidence, focus, and strong footing in the competition. We’re going to approach this game with all seriousness to make sure we come out victorious,” he said on the eve of the clash.
Flying Eagles stars to watch
Among the stars to watch is 18-year-old striker Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi, who has been dubbed “the new Victor Osimhen” after firing Nigeria to WAFU U20 glory with a brace in the final against Ghana. Midfielder Sani Suleiman has also spoken boldly, declaring that the Flying Eagles are targeting the final and nothing less.
The #FlyingEagles are in action tonight against Norway .#U20WC #SoarFlyingEagles pic.twitter.com/937ndamjjz
— The NFF (@thenff) September 29, 2025
With Saudi Arabia and Colombia also in the group, victory against Norway could set the tone for Nigeria’s entire campaign.
- Rasmus Holten 9′
- Vetle Auklend 52′
- Haakon Roesten 70′
- Daniel Daga 36′
- Israel Isaac Ayuma 41′
- Odinaka Okoro 89′
- Charles Adah Agada 90′
- Summary
- Lineups
Norway U20
21
Boee
Fauskanger
2
Hoeyland
3
Auklend
4
Holten
5
Roesten
6
Saetherboe
8
Kjoelstad
Nyheim
10
Milian
Granaas
15
Visted
7
Haaland
11
Classoenn
Bang-Kittilsen
- Substitutes
-
Sander Oestraat
1
-
Magnus Broendbo
12
-
Mathias Oeren
13
-
Jonathan Vonheim Norbye
14
-
Tobias Moi
18
-
Magnus Holte
20
-
Lars Bjoernerud Remmem
19
-
Julian Laegreid
9
-
Martin Haaheim Elveseter
16
-
Niklas Fuglestad
17
Nigeria U20
1
Harcourt
2
Ochoche
3
Okoro
5
Akinyele
6
Bameyi
4
Daga
10
Isaac
Ayuma
11
Achihi
17
Maigana
9
Arierhi
12
Nasiru
- Substitutes
-
Rufai Abubakar
16
-
Clinton Andy
21
-
Azuka Alatan
13
-
Haruna Aliyu
20
-
Abduljelil Kamaldeen
8
-
Emmanuel Ekele
14
-
Auwal Ibrahim
15
-
Charles Adah Agada
19
-
Sani Suleiman
7
-
Abdullahi Ele
18
