The Nigeria Football Fedration (NFF) has signed a three-year partnership with American multinational footwear, training apparel and accessories design and manufacturers, Nike.
The deal covers the country’s national teams (men and women) at all levels, as well as grassroots football development.
Nike will design kits and footballs for all nine of the Nigerian football teams from 1 April, 2015 until at least 2018, the NFF announced on Thursday. The company will also design replica jerseys and other products for Nigerians to show their support for the national team, starting from the middle of next year.
The Nigeria under-20 men’s team will be the first to wear the new Nike kit at the World Youth Championship to be hosted in New Zealand from May 31.
“We are very pleased to partner with the Nigeria Football Federation, one of Africa’s premier teams,” said Laurent Payre, Nike Africa VP / General Manager.
“The passion for football in Nigeria is renowned and Nike is committed to supporting and advancing the game at all levels through inspiration and innovation for young men and women.”
NFF President Amaju Pinnick said, “This exciting partnership with Nike signifies our commitment toward building and strengthening a successful football future in Nigeria. The game enjoys a huge following across the country and we want to fuel participation and ultimately the success of our future national teams.”
Other countries sponsored by Nike includes Australia, Brasil, England, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea, the U.S. and others.
Nigeria had been without a kit sponsor since German manufacturers Adidas decided not to renew its previous four-year deal, which expired in December.
Nike were the country’s kit manufacturers at the 2002 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals.
