WORLD CUP
Nigeria win the 2018 Russia World Cup...
...for having the best kit. The Nigerian FA and Nike launched the new Super Eagles World Cup kit yesterday and the response has been staggeringly positive.
Nigeria may not be one of the bookies favourites to lift the 2018 World Cup at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on July 15 but it's unlikely any other competing nation will generate a similar level of excitement and positive reaction after the Nigerian FA and Nike launched the playing kit Gernot Rohr's men will use in Russia.
Inspired by 'Naija' spirit, which according to Nike means "youthful exuberance, pride and fresh perspective on patriotism", the US sporting goods manufacturer produced a kit and range of leisure wear for the African nation that has generated a storm of positive response from football fans around the world on social media.
Nod to the past
There are subtle references to past Super Eagles’ on-pitch success (the home kit carries a familiar badge recolored to honour the ’96 gold medal-winning "Dream Team") and tradition with the dark green now to be used as the second kit.
At the unveiling Arsenal and Nigeria player Alex Iwobi stated: “I grew up in England, but Nigeria is my homeland. When I scored that goal, the players were dancing, the fans were playing trumpets and bringing drums…there was just so much passion and energy,” says Iwobi. “It is always an honor to wear the white and green. To compete this summer is not just our dream, it is also the dream of our fans. Together, we all represent Naija.”
