Nike Football has reissued Nigeria’s iconic 1996 Olympic home kit, launching the retro jersey just as the Super Eagles prepare for their AFCON 2025 campaign opener against Tanzania. The timing honors one of African football’s most celebrated achievements, though the team will wear their current kits rather than this throwback design during the tournament. This exact replica commemorates the historic moment when Nigeria became the first African nation to claim Olympic football gold.
The reissued Nigeria 1996 Nike home kit faithfully reproduces the striking green and white vertical striped design that became synonymous with Nigerian football excellence nearly three decades ago. The jersey features the Nigeria Football Association crest prominently displayed on the left sleeve, with “NIGERIA” emblazoned across the front in bold lettering beneath an eagle motif. Details include a contrasting black and white zigzag pattern on the v-neck collar, green sleeve cuffs with white striping, and an “NFA” logo tab at the back of the neck. The Nike swoosh appears on the chest, maintaining the authentic sponsor placement from the original.
At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Nigeria’s Dream Team captured global attention with their electrifying performances while wearing this kit. The squad featured players who would become legends of the game, including Nwankwo Kanu, Taribo West, and Jay-Jay Okocha. Their path to gold included memorable victories over football powerhouses Brazil and Argentina, both nations with deep Olympic football traditions and rosters filled with future world-class talent.
The reissue arrives as Nigeria enters AFCON 2025 seeking to add another continental trophy to their collection. While supporters won’t see this retro design on the pitch in Morocco, the release connects past glory with present ambition. The 1996 kit represents more than nostalgia—it symbolizes a watershed moment when African football proved its quality could triumph over established powers. For collectors and fans, this faithful reproduction offers a tangible link to that groundbreaking Olympic campaign that elevated Nigerian football’s international standing.
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