Super Eagles and the ‘Naija’ White Jersey Controversy: How Kit Choices Reflect a Deeper Identity Crisis

Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualification failure has triggered renewed scrutiny of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), particularly over decisions affecting the national team’s identity — including jersey colours and inscriptions.

Traditionally, home teams wear their established colours regardless of possible clashes, while away teams adjust. However, critics argue that the Super Eagles have drifted from this custom under the current administration.

A key point of contention is the team’s increased use of white jerseys during home fixtures, abandoning the iconic green that has long symbolised Nigeria’s identity. Supporters say they cannot recall Nigeria wearing white at home in competitive qualifiers until the current era.

Some fans even link the white jersey to historic disappointments, recalling the 2000 AFCON final loss to Cameroon in Lagos, where similar concerns were raised.

In recent fixtures — including matches versus Benin Republic, as well as Gabon and DR Congo in World Cup playoffs where Nigeria was technically the home side — the team again wore white. Critics want answers about who approved the decision.

Another growing concern is the decision to replace “Nigeria” with “Naija” on the jerseys. While “Naija” is a widely used slang term, many argue it has no place on official national kits and undermines the country’s identity on the global stage.

“No serious national team prints its nickname on the front of its jersey,” critics say, adding that countries such as Brazil and Argentina would never adopt colloquial monikers in place of official names.

They place blame on former NFF president Amaju Pinnick for introducing the trend, describing it as a “casualisation” of Nigeria’s sporting identity.

The article notes that legendary players like Samuel Okwaraji, Stephen Keshi, and Peter Rufai would likely be displeased with the direction the jersey culture has taken.

Many believe the issue reflects broader concerns about patriotism within the current squad, which includes many foreign-born players unfamiliar with Nigeria’s football traditions.

The commentary calls for the NFF to restore the national identity by reinstating the traditional green kit and the name “Nigeria” ahead of upcoming tournaments, especially the AFCON.

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