The iconic Super Eagles jersey
Nigeria’s Super Eagles jersey ranked as the best among all the 32-nation jerseys for the World Cup has sold out after one hour of official release by its maker Nike. With over 3 million pre-release orders globally, it means the jersey valued at $85 has sold over 3 million units within the last 24 hours.
The Super Eagles are all set for their campaign in Russia this summer – but stock of their new jersey sold out just an hour after going on sale, officials of Nike said.
The iconic jersey unlike the previous ones has the word Naija emblazoned on it. The word Naija isn’t relatively new – but in recent years it has become associated with the youth of Nigeria. A patriotic term, it is used by Nigerians to show shared strength and unity when talking about their country.
The BBC’s Peter Okwoche describes the term as used by youth to ‘distance themselves from the old guard’.
He goes on to say: “Whether things are going well or whether it seems the world is about to come to an end, ‘Naija’ – also written 9ja – expresses it all.
“It is about the food, the flamboyant dressing, the mannerisms, the boisterous – some say loud – interaction among complete strangers who on meeting immediately feel bonded by their ‘Naija-ness'”.
Nike had to push back the release due to demand, with more than three millions pre-orders put in for the new jersey.
Naija is being used to highlight the Nigerian team’s youthful exuberance and bold new look, with a whole line of products celebrating their team colours and badge.
These include the Naija Mercurial boots, which come in green and black and will be worn by some players against England.
The 2018 World Cup in Russia will be Nigeria’s 6th appearance at the Mundial after a bold debut in USA 1994 edition where they pulled stunt by defeating Greece, Bulgaria in the Group stages to get to the second round.
Additional report from The Sun of UK
