Nike releases new Eagles jersey amid World Cup failure

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Global sportswear giant Nike has officially released new home and away jerseys for Nigeria’s national football teams, but the unveiling of the designs has been overshadowed by the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, where many countries will be showcasing their new kits, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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The home kit features a vibrant light green base with darker green panels and a subtle dotted fade pattern, accented by the Nigeria Football Federation crest and Nike logo, while the away jersey comes in a white base with subtle green patterns, including a swoosh design around the arms and sides.

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It is the third kit Nike has produced for Nigeria in two years, with the current deal between both parties set to expire this year. The partnership began in 2015 and was renewed in 2018 following the famous Russia 2018 World Cup kit.

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Since then, the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for two consecutive editions of the World Cup, with fans still expressing disappointment over the latest setback.

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Popular businessman and football fan, Suraj Oyewale, said, “Wetin we go take am do? To watch the World Cup?”—meaning, “Are we supposed to watch the World Cup with it?”

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“Why waste money on new jerseys when we don’t have any important competition at hand? Abi na friendlies we go use am play,” another fan, Emmanuel Okiriguooghe, wrote on X.

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Another fan, Esther Edet, added, “For friendly matches against Iran and Jordan, the end.”

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A South African, Phele Hawulakhe Mkhize, also bantered about Nigerian fans on Facebook, saying, “Unveiling for what exactly? You are not going to the World Cup. I can’t wait to see you supporting us, South Africa.”

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The Super Eagles will face Iran and Jordan in friendly matches on Friday and next Tuesday in Turkey, but it remains to be seen whether the new jersey will be debuted in those games.

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