Boluwatife Kehinde
Ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, Norway’s U-20 coach Bjørn Johansen has singled out Nigeria as the most physically imposing team in their group.
The tournament runs from September 27 to October 19, with Nigeria and Norway drawn in Group F alongside Saudi Arabia and Colombia.
Norway will be making their fourth appearance at the tournament, having previously competed in 1989, 1993, and 2019—the year Manchester City striker Erling Haaland scored nine goals in a 12-0 victory over Honduras. However, the Norwegians have never progressed beyond the group stage, a record Johansen hopes to change this year.
“It is a natural ambition, no doubt about it. There are three quite different teams in terms of style and physicality. Nigeria is the best in terms of physicality, Colombia I consider the best team, and Saudi Arabia has skills at a very high level. They are exciting opponents, but a group we can definitely advance from,” Johansen said.
Nigeria, Norway meet September 29
Norway and Nigeria will open their group campaign on September 29. The Flying Eagles departed for Chile on Sunday for their final 12-day training camp, during which they will play friendlies against Chile and Australia.
Nigeria’s U-20 team remains one of the most consistent in World Cup history, having debuted in 1983 and gone on to make 14 appearances. In 61 matches, they have recorded 26 wins, 11 draws, and 24 defeats, scoring 90 goals and conceding 75. Their best finishes include runners-up spots in 1989 and 2005, and third place in 1985.
At the 2023 edition, the Flying Eagles reached the quarter-finals with three wins and two losses, scoring six goals and conceding four. Over the years, they have produced iconic moments, including the famous “Miracle of Dammam” comeback against the Soviet Union in 1989, and John Odiaka’s record-breaking 14-second strike in 1985—further proof of Nigeria’s pedigree as one of the most formidable youth sides in world football.
