Unbranded U-23 jersey: NFF protests to Nike

From ROMANUS UGWU, Abuja

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is to write a strong-worded protest letter to the USA-based international kit sponsor, Nike, over the omission of the NFF official logo on the sets of jersey the U-23 Dream Team VI is currently prosecuting the CAF Olympic Games qualifier tournament in Senegal with.

The Nigeria sporting media were awash with the report that in contrast with developments over the past years in modern soccer history of national teams donning crested jerseys, the Coach Samson Siasia’s squad lined out for their victory over their West African rivals, Mali with blank jerseys.

Although the team’s media officer, Timi Ebikagboro, allegedly downplayed the drama, insisting that the logo will be placed on all the jerseys before today’s second group game against Egypt, a reliable source at the Glass House revealed that the federation was furious over the issue.

To match its words with actions, our source explained that the highly embarrassed football federation has summoned the agent and liaison officer with Nike to register its disappointment, ordering him to forward a protest letter to the renowned kit sponsor for immediate action.

In another development, it has been learnt that Nigeria are proposing friendly matches against Italy and African champions Cote d’Ivoire in the New Year, according to the Nigeria Football

NFF boss Amaju Pinnick disclosed in an interview that the federation’s match agent has already began discussions with both teams for the friendly matches.

“Nothing has been concluded yet but we wish to play reigning African champions Cote d’Ivoire in London. There is a proposal to play Italy, who are excited about playing Nigeria after we defeated Cameroon recently,” disclosed Pinnick.

“We want to make the most every FIFA friendly window by playing top quality matches.”