Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu has praised his workforce’s efficiency regardless of their slender 1-0 defeat to Norway within the opening sport of the twenty fourth FIFA U20 World Cup, insisting that the gamers did sufficient to deserve a greater end result.
Norway struck early from the penalty spot within the ninth minute by Sondre Holten, and though Nigeria dominated possession and created a number of probabilities, they had been unable to seek out an equalizer. Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, and Nasiru Salihu all went shut, whereas the Flying Eagles had been denied two robust penalty appeals.
Talking after the match, Zubairu admitted that the end result was disappointing however expressed satisfaction in his gamers’ efforts. “The boys did all the things doable to win this sport,” he stated. “We created probabilities, we dominated play, however soccer is typically merciless. Regardless of all our strain, we couldn’t get the purpose we wanted. That’s soccer. What issues now could be how we reply within the subsequent match.”
Zubairu harassed the significance of shifting focus rapidly to Thursday’s must-win conflict in opposition to Saudi Arabia. “We can not dwell on this defeat for too lengthy. Our consideration now could be on Saudi Arabia, and we should give all the things to win. Shedding two video games in a World Cup group stage makes qualification very troublesome, so we all know what’s at stake.”
The coach additionally praised the mentality of his gamers regardless of the setback. “I’m pleased with the preventing spirit of those younger males. They confirmed resilience and braveness in opposition to a really disciplined Norway facet. We’ll enhance our ending and are available again stronger.”
The Flying Eagles, two-time U20 World Cup finalists, should now beat Saudi Arabia to maintain their hopes of progressing alive.
