2025 U-20 W/Cup: Flying Eagles must start on positive note – Zubairu

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles aim to open the 2025 U-20 World Cup with victory over Norway in Talca. Betting impact: punters may favour Nigeria to win the opener — consider backing Nigeria match-winner or -0.5 Asian handicap given their motivation to start strong.

Flying Eagles Target Winning Start at 2025 U-20 World Cup

Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has underlined the importance of beginning Nigeria’s 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign with a win as the side prepares to face Norway in Talca on Monday. A positive result, he says, will raise confidence and set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

Coach’s message: start strong to build momentum

Zubairu stressed the psychological and tactical value of a first-game victory. "We are very much prepared. In every competition, the first match is very, very important because if you can get the first match right, it’s going to give you more focus, raise the confidence level of the boys, and strengthen our footing in the competition," Zubairu said.

Match details and historical context

Nigeria meet Norway in Talca for the pair’s first-ever meeting at U-20 level. The group also contains Saudi Arabia and Colombia. The Flying Eagles were eliminated in the quarter-finals at the last edition in Argentina, making a strong start this year especially important.

Group outlook and key talking points

A win against Norway would place Nigeria in a favourable position in a group that includes Saudi Arabia and Colombia. The emphasis will be on a focused, confident performance to build momentum for the tougher fixtures to come.

Betting implications and market signals

Given the coach’s emphasis and Nigeria’s motivation after a quarter-final exit in the previous tournament, markets may lean toward backing Nigeria in the opener. Punters might consider match-winner markets or a -0.5 Asian handicap for Nigeria, while also monitoring early-match and first-half markets for momentum indicators.

Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has said it is important for his team to begin their campaign at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup on a winning note. The seven-time African champions will face Norway in their opening fixture in the city of Talca on Monday (today). It will be the first-ever meeting between [...]2025 U-20 W/Cup: Flying Eagles must start on positive note – Zubairu

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