'Nigeria is the best' – Norway U20 boss wary of Flying Eagles physicality

Norway U20 head coach Bjorn Johansen has singled out the Flying Eagles as the most physically imposing side in his team's 2025 Fifa U20 World Cup group, while also acknowledging the unique challenges posed by Colombia and Saudi Arabia.

Johansen was a key member of Norway's squad at the 1989 Fifa U20 World Cup, starting all three of the Scandinavians' matches and scoring in a 4-2 group stage victory over Italy.

The Norwegian tactician admitted that each of their group-stage rivals brings a distinct threat but highlighted the Flying Eagles' power and athleticism as the toughest physical test.

The Flying Eagles, renowned for their strength and intensity, will be aiming to capitalise on those qualities when the competition gets underway on September 27.

"It's a natural ambition, no doubt about it. There are three quite different teams in terms of style and physicality," Johansen told the official website of the Norwegian Football Association.

"Nigeria is the best in terms of physics, Colombia I consider the best team, and Saudi Arabia has skills at a very high level."

Despite the daunting opposition, Johansen is confident that Norway will progress to the knockout rounds of the World Cup.

"They are exciting opponents, but a group we can definitely advance from." 

Nigeria will begin their World Cup campaign against Norway on September 29, before taking on Saudi Arabia on October 2 and Colombia on October 5 in the group stage.

The Flying Eagles departed for Istanbul on Sunday night en route to Santiago, Chile, where they will hold their final training camp ahead of the Fifa U20 World Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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