One of the distinctive features about the Nigerian national team is the Green and White jerseys corresponding with country’s flag.
Across all competitions the Super Eagles have participated, the Green and White colors represents the wealth of the nation and peace as it is portrayed on the national flag.
The all green strip is an indication that the Super Eagles are the home team while the white shirt and shorts is the away uniform of the three-time African Champions.
NAIJ.com explores the different designs of jerseys Nigeria senior team have used at the Nations cup between 1980 and 1994
1. African Nations Cup 1980
Nigeria took up the responsibility in play hosting the biggest footballing event in Africa and eventually won the tournament in style.
Segun Odegbami in Nigeria's kit at the 1980 Nations cup. Photo: BBC
The Christian Chukwu captained side wore a white-collar with an upside down triangle resting on an all-green background as the home outfit but a repeat of the design on a white background as the away jersey.
Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 in the finals to clinch title in style as tournaments hosts.
2. African Nations Cup 1982
After the Nations Cup winning triumph of 1980, the country switched to an all-green and white collar as the home kit while the away wear was an all-white with the arms colored in green.
Nigeria's kits across the ages from 1949 to 2010
The defending champions could not replicate their form as they were knocked out in the very first round in the tournament play hosted by Libya.
The star-studded squad scandalously lost two matches out of three to Algeria and Zambia but won against Ethiopia which was not enough send the Green Eagles through to the next phase.
3. African Nations Cup 1984
Before the 1984 edition of the soccer fiesta in Africa, an all-green top that had white arms with both colors also mixed with the collar was the pattern similar to a polo shirt was used in 1983.
Stephen Keshi in Nigeria's kit at the 1984 Nations cup. Photo: Goal
However a new style of the kit was used at the Cote d’Ivoire 84’ Nation Cup had a green with three white stripes from the neck to the arm and also a white collar which is shaped v-neck.
The Green Eagles emerged runners up after losing 1-3 in the finals to their bitter rivals Cameroon a match where the late Stephen Keshi captained side to the lead before letting in three goals.
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4. 1988 and 1990 Nations Cup
A new trend with manufacturers in kits production surfaced where a country’s name was boldly written in front of the jersey and Nigeria was not left out.
It was green, white, green flag color that formed the semi part of the shirt with different patterns while the shorts remained green.
Nigeria's kit at the 1988 and 1990 Nations cup. Photo: BBC
However, a white stripe round necked shirt with Nigeria labeled on it was used and the other version of the green jersey was designed with white lines across the green background.
Unfortunately, the jersey did not bring the stroke of luck the Super Eagles wanted as Nigeria lost in both the 88’ and the 90’ finals losing to Cameroon and Algeria.
Both score lines ended in an agonizing 0-1 leaving the Super Eagles frustrated on the third attempt in the final hurdle.
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5. Senegal 92’ Nations Cup
Three white lines in both arms and rib areas on top of a green background was the uniform used by Nigeria in their Senegal 92’ campaign.
All through the group stages to the quarter and semi finals against Senegal, Kenya, Zaire and Ghana respectively, the green jersey was used except for the third place match against the Cameroonians where the all-white was worn.
Rashidi Yekini in 1992. Photo: BBC
The Black Stars ended the promising campaign of the Clement Westerhof’s boys in the penultimate round as Tony Yeboah and Abedi Pele’s goals canceled out Mutiu Adepoju’s goal that put the Super Eagles in the lead.
Nigeria ended the tournament with a bronze medal after a slim 2-1 win against the Indomitable Lions.
Two new jerseys were introduced the following year for both Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers. The green was still the regular color but had three large white lines from the right part of the chest to the left part on the trunks.
6. The 1994 Nations Cup and World Cup
The kits used for both Tunisia and US 94’ tournaments respectively were unique in style and some have argued that it has been the best jersey worn by the senior national team so far.
The lay out on both the green and the white versions were second to none as the outfits brought luck to the team with a Nations Cup win and a round of 16 finish in the United States.
Nigeria's team in 1994. Photo: Goal.com
Nigeria that year were ranked the fifth best nation in the FIFA ranking before the World Cup and placed 9th in the overall standings after an impressive performance at her first World Cup.
In Nigeria’s rich footballing history, the unbeatable 94’ feat still stands as the most successful representation the Super Eagles have had which is why the jerseys for that year cannot be forgotten.
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Source: Sports.naija.ng