The new Super Eagles jersey isn’t just there yet. It is a distinguishing new appearance for Nigeria’s football theme look but national team coach, Gernot Rohr has a few reservations.
During the unveiling of the jersey in London along with chiefs of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Rohr outlined a few suggestive ideas, key details in helping to perfect the outfit to best suit the players.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”I’m satisfied with the jersey, they did a good job, very professional I must say but there are some areas I told them I want them to address,”[/perfectpullquote]
Rohr said.
It is understood that the German was hesitant towards some color choices, which according to him, makes it difficult to see players in contrast to a lighter colored jersey. In addition, Rohr suggested a lighter fabric putting into consideration, Africa’s hot weather.
The new Nike Football home and away kits were re-designed by Nike for male and female teams and is labeled with the NFF badge on the left, Nike logo on the right, also featuring Nike’s Dri-FIT technology. The partnership deal ran from April 1, 2015 following the expiration deal with Adidas.
Nike athlete, Alex Iwobi, models in the new all-green Super Eagles jersey. (Twitter/Alex Iwobi)
The $750,000 deal – in its first year – which would see Nike supply kits worth $1 million to Nigeria till 2018 before the FIFA World Cup in Russia, became more operational in November 2016.
However, it’s price tag caused a bit of a stir among Nigerians who were drawn back by its cost of N29,000, approx. $93 USD with many reactions criticizing it for being expensive.
Meanwhile, a new deal was recently discussed in a meeting with Nike, NFF president, Amaju Pinnick and Nigerian Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung. Recent good performances in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers, have convinced the American company to extend the partnership deal.
“We are one foot into the 2018 World Cup and the Super Eagles’ performance in the qualifiers has encouraged Nike to extend their contract with us,” Pinnick told Pulse Sports.
Featured Photo: Nigeria national team suggests adjustments to the new kit to better suit playing conditions. (NFF)
