‘Fine jersey, zero purpose’ — Nigerians react to Super Eagles’ new jerseys
2026-03-23 - 18:44
By Enitan Abdultawab The Nigeria national football team recently unveiled their 2026 home and away kits, designed in collaboration with Nike, ahead of the upcoming international season. The launch comes after a disappointing period for the team, which failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite a squad featuring stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles were eliminated in the CAF playoff round by the Democratic Republic of Congo, following a penalty shootout after finishing second in their qualifying group. With no major tournament immediately ahead, fans have questioned the timing and purpose of the new kits. Nigerians quickly took to social media to share their reactions. “New jersey, zero purpose. Na viewing center uniform for World Cup abi,” wrote @eighty9boys. @tomtosho added, “Not sure how to feel about this one. It makes me wonder if the lack of a major tournament this year influenced the design direction. In the past, our kits always stood out and set the standard globally. This feels a bit underwhelming compared to that legacy.” The criticism extended to the timing of the launch, with @okiriguoghe asking, “Why waste money on new jerseys when we don’t have any important competition at hand. Abi na friendlies we go use am play???” Similarly, @Chris_U_C mocked the development, writing: “Unveiling 2026 Jersey as if they will be using it for any important match while it is only Nigeria vs Garba Chede FC, Nigeria vs Yola Antelopes and so on is on their match list.” Beyond questions of purpose, many fans criticized the kits’ design. @celestineodera said, “So there is no other color combinations except white on the second jersey... are there no other color in @nikefootball cupboard?” @Tiwasoccer added, “That jersey is too bland and looks like a coed soccer jerseys for community competitions. Nike can do better than this!” @Sports_Afrik highlighted the perceived drop in standards, stating, “Really!! so if we for qualify for #worldcup na dis thing we for wear?? Na wah oo! The drop in quality of design is outrageous nah. From what we wore at the #AFCON to this? The jersey design looks like the uniform of workers at the airport.” Echoing the sentiment, @godkiid questioned the home kit’s appeal: “Who approved that green one? It’s just looking like a championship side jersey.” Fans’ reactions show frustration with what they perceive as kits that fail to reflect the Super Eagles’ historical identity and global style, particularly at a time when the team faces challenges on and off the pitch. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are expected to start touching down in Turkey ahead of their international friendlies against Iraq and Jordan, both of whom are preparing to play in the 2025 FIFA World Cup. Head coach Coach Eric Chelle and other assistant coaches such as Daniel Ogunmodede have landed in Turkey today and they await 23 players later today and tomorrow.