MUCH ADO ABOUT THE NIGERIAN KIT FOR RUSSIA 2018

Long after the outcome of the match on Sunday 15 July 2018 that determines the winner of the FIFA World Cup Final at the 80000 seater Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, fashion would be the one thing that would linger long in the minds of spectators and millions of football lovers the world over. What has fashion got to do with football you ask?  Well for the uninitiated, it's now official, fashion and football have officially become twins if the buzz about the official kits of some of the national teams is anything to go by, particularly that of Nigeria.  

The Mikel Obi led Nigerian team at the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia

Rasheedi Yekini celebrating his first (& Nigeria's too) World Cup goal at USA 94

Permit me to make a true confession. I thoroughly hated the Nigerian kit when the official campaign pictures were first released. The chevron like motif had me very annoyed! The shiny flowery pattern of the sports jackets and matching pants were just the worst in my estimation. I just could not fathom what the fuss was all about. But never say never. Let’s just say that I was probably swayed by public opinion and I am now totally loving it.  There are certain things that tend to grow on you and this is one of them, though I was still pleasantly surprised yet skeptical when a poll conducted by Skypoll rated the 2018 Super Eagles jersey as the most fashionable ahead of those of the Germans and Australians. It was a massive hit with both Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike and such was the allure that the jersey was reportedly sold out within three minutes of the official release.

Three generations of this family just had to have the Nigerian jersey! 

The Matthew Wolf led design team at Nike drew their inspiration from the classic 1994 kit with the eagles wings. The central design theme of the Nigerian team jersey is an abstract feather pattern inspired by the team’s ‘Super Eagles’ nickname which was last seen in the national jerseys for the country's debut on the World Cup stage at the USA 94 tournament.  The exploits of the dream team are forever etched in our hearts. Who can forget the likes of Rashidi Yekini (prolific striker) Daniel Amokachi (with the winding dance moves on pitch), Sunday Oliseh, Samson Siasia and co?

The Nigerian "Dream" Team at USA 94. Design inspiration was drawn from their jerseys

The official statement from Nike about the design reads- ‘With a culture as vibrant as Nigeria’s, the collection had a lot to live up to. (You can say that again Nike!) … As the Nigerian team steps into this summer’s tournament, the world will know they’ve arrived. (Yes o! Tell them!!) The Federation’s infectious charisma shines through with the flamboyant Nigerian collection." Even before the Mikel Obi led team played their first match, there was already so much anticipation about our appearance. Talk about an impressionable arrival! 

From a professional standpoint, success in design is achieved when the client’s aspirations and needs are fully articulated, understood and crystallized by the designer. I can say Nike ticked all the right boxes in giving us a national kit that has wormed its way in our hearts and has become part and parcel of our national pride. 

Photocredits: Google Images.