The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will kick off their 2025 FIFA Underneath-20 World Cup marketing campaign on Monday after they tackle Norway on the Estadio Fiscal de Talca in Chile.
The match is scheduled to start out at 8PM, and each groups might be hoping to get off to a robust begin in Group F.
A Contemporary Problem for Zubairu’s Boys
Coach Aliyu Zubairu led Nigeria to this event after reaching the semifinals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations earlier within the yr. Whereas their performances weren’t at all times convincing, there’s hope the workforce will step up when it issues most.
The Flying Eagles have an extended historical past within the U20 World Cup and are thought-about one in every of Africa’s most constant groups at this stage. Since 2000, they’ve missed simply three editions of the event. In 2023, they reached the quarterfinals, however have been knocked out by South Korea, who received 1-0.
Norway Return After Six-12 months Absence
For Norway, this marks their first U20 World Cup look since 2019, a event remembered for Erling Haaland’s record-breaking 9 objectives in a single match in opposition to Honduras. Regardless of that historic 12-0 win, the Norwegians failed to succeed in the knockout stage that yr.
In contrast to Nigeria, Norway don’t have a lot historical past at this stage and have by no means gone past the group stage. This makes Monday’s conflict an essential alternative to point out progress.
Head-to-Head: A First Assembly
This would be the first time Nigeria and Norway meet on the U20 World Cup, including additional intrigue to the match.
Possible Line-Ups
Nigeria (4-3-3):
Ebenezer Harcourt; Daniel Bameyi, Odinaka Okoro, Ahmed Olamide, Ocheche Amos; Auwal Ibrahim, Daniel Daga, Israel Ayuma; Charles Agada, Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Kparobo Arierhi.
Norway (4-3-3):
Magnus Brondbo; Ethan Amundsen-Day, Aleksander Andresen, Casper Glenna, Markus Haaland; Martin Haheim-Elveseter, Henrik Melland, Mats Pedersen; Hakon Rosten, Kasper Saetherbo, Nkota Hola Visted.
What to Anticipate
The match is anticipated to be evenly contested, with each side wanting to make a press release of their opening sport. Nonetheless, Nigeria might need a slight edge because of their better expertise at this stage.
There’s additionally the difficulty of climate situations. Most of the Norwegian gamers are used to taking part in in a lot colder climates and may take a while to adapt to Chile’s climate.
Prediction
A detailed sport is on the playing cards, but when Nigeria can discover their rhythm early, they might snatch a slim win. A powerful efficiency from the midfield may very well be key for the Flying Eagles to take management.
