Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign in Chile on a disappointing note, falling 1-0 to Norway in their opening group fixture.
A ninth-minute penalty proved decisive, leaving the Nigerian side with much to do as they prepare for their second match against Saudi Arabia.
This is not the first time the Flying Eagles have struggled in their opening game at the World Youth Championship. Over the years, the team has endured difficult starts in several editions of the tournament, with mixed fortunes in their eventual campaigns.
Brazil 4-0 Nigeria (Chile 1987 – Group Stage)
The Flying Eagles went to the 1987 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile with high expectations.
Blessed with talents like Etim Esin, Jonathan Akpoborie, Nduka Ugbade, the late Thompson Oliha, Willy Okpara, Adeolu Adekola, Peter Nieketien and John Ene Okon, many believed the team was strong enough to reach the final.
Despite being drawn against Brazil, Italy and Canada, confidence was high. But to everyone’s shock, the Flying Eagles were hammered 4-0 by Brazil in their first match.
The team never recovered, drawing 2-2 with Canada before losing 2-0 to Italy to exit in the group stage.
Nigeria 1-1 Costa Rica (Nigeria 1999 – Quarter-finals)
After missing out on hosting in 1995, Nigeria eventually staged the U-20 World Cup in 1999.
Coached by Tunde Disu, the Flying Eagles had exciting talents like Pius Ikedia, Haruna Babangida, Julius Aghahowa, Joseph Yobo, the late Sam Okoye and Rabiu Afolabi.
They opened with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Costa Rica at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The team bounced back with a 2-0 win against Germany but lost 2-1 to Paraguay in their last group game, still managing to progress.
They beat the Republic of Ireland on penalties in the Round of 16 before crashing out in the quarter-finals after a 3-1 defeat to Mali.
Also Read: 2025 U-20 W/Cup: Flying Eagles Unlucky In Defeat To Norway — Zubairu
Nigeria 0-0 Brazil (Netherlands 2005 – Runners-up)
Returning after missing the 2001 and 2003 editions, the Flying Eagles impressed in the Netherlands in 2005 under Samson Siasia.
The squad included John Obi Mikel, Chinedu Obasi, Sani Kaita, Taye Taiwo, and the late Isaac Promise.
They began with a 0-0 draw against Brazil, a side that had beaten them in all three previous U-20 World Cup meetings.
Despite a 2-1 loss to South Korea in their second match, the Flying Eagles rallied with a 3-0 win over Switzerland. They went on to beat Ukraine, the Netherlands, and Morocco to reach the final, where they lost 2-1 to Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina.
Nigeria 0-1 Venezuela (Egypt 2009 – Round of 16)
Samson Siasia returned as coach for the 2009 edition in Egypt, with a squad featuring Odion Ighalo, Nwankwo Obiora, Haruna Lukman, Sone Aluko, and Rabiu Ibrahim.
Nigeria lost their opener 1-0 to Venezuela, with Lukman sent off. They went on to lose 2-0 to Spain but thrashed Tahiti 5-0 to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Their journey ended in the Round of 16 following a 3-2 loss to Germany, despite the Europeans being reduced to 10 men.
Nigeria 2-3 Portugal (Turkey 2013 – Round of 16)
At the 2013 edition in Turkey, Nigeria were drawn against Portugal, Cuba and South Korea.
The squad included Wilfred Ndidi, Shehu Abdullahi, Moses Simon, Olanrewaju Kayode, and Abduljeleel Ajagun.
They opened with a 3-2 loss to Portugal, with Ajagun scoring both goals. Wins over Cuba (3-0) and South Korea (1-0) took them through, but they were knocked out by Uruguay after a 2-1 defeat in the Round of 16.
Nigeria 2-4 Brazil (New Zealand 2015 – Round of 16)
In New Zealand 2015, Nigeria were grouped with Brazil, Hungary, and North Korea.
Led by Manu Garba, the team featured Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi.
The Flying Eagles lost 4-2 to Brazil in their opener, which included a young Gabriel Jesus. They bounced back with a 4-0 win over North Korea and a 2-0 victory against Hungary, thanks to Awoniyi’s brace.
However, their campaign ended in the Round of 16 after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Germany.
