by George Aluo
Nigeria’s Dream Team would file out in a brand new attire when she takes to the pitch in her first game against Japan on Friday (2 am Nigerian time) in the northern Brazilian city of Manaus.
The nation’s soccer governing body, NFF disclosed yesterday that her kit sponsor, Nike has supplied the Samson Siasia tutored lads with the newly designed jerseys. According to NFF, the the home kit is a solid green, with white ribbing around the back of the modern crewneck collar.
In keeping true to the national colours of Nigeria, the new away kit is white with a green stripe that runs the length of the sides of shirt and shorts, and a green stripe along the back of the collar.
The NFF and Nike entered into an agreement last year after adidas pulled out as the country’s kit sponsors. The kits are driven by the Nike Dri-FIT technology, which draws sweat away from the body to the exterior of the shirts and shorts, where it quickly evaporates. This allows players to perform at their best by remaining cooler, drier and more comfortable.
The laser-cut ventilation holes and mesh panels in the key areas of the kit are designed to improve performance by increasing air circulation and helping regulate players’ temperatures.
The shirt is crafted using mesh fabric that makes up the full front and back panels of the shirt, increasing airflow and facilitating enhanced movement. This new design is also what the Super Eagles will wear for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers beginning with the trip to Zambia on October 3.