WAFCON: NFF President explains why Super Falcons have been training in old jerseys

The NFF president Ibrahim Gusau addressed the videos showing the Super Falcons training in old jerseys.

NFF president Ibrahim Gusau has explained why the Super Falcons have been training in their old jerseys, instead of the newly issued Nike kits. 

What happened 

The Nigerian women's national team are currently in Morocco participating in the Women's African Cup of Nations. While they have won their opening two games in the competition, there have been several instances that have led to questioning of the NFF’s preparation for the tournament. 

One such incident warranting criticism was when videos of the Super Falcons training in old jerseys, instead of newly issued Nike kits, made the rounds on the internet. 

Ahead of the WAFCON, the official kit partner of the federation, Nike, released new matchday jerseys and training kits. While the Falcons have started wearing their new jerseys, the players have had to use alternatives for training. 

Gusau explains why 

Osasu Obayiuwana asked the NFF president, Gusau, about the predicament, and he explained that they had problems clearing the training kits with the Moroccan customs. 

"It is good that you are asking this question,” he said. “The kit was supposed to come earlier than this time, before people start talking whatever they are talking. Nike have done their best.

“The agreement with Nike is that they send kits for tournaments to the venue of the tournament. The kit is in Casablanca. They are stuck with Moroccan customs. DHL tried to sort it out and see how they could get the kit to the players' hotel [but without success].

“I was in Rabat to see FRMF officials, to see how they can help us, to get the kit out. I can show you the invoice that was sent to DHL people (which he did, on his phone), which we are working on, to ensure that the kit is immediately released. 

“Every country has its processes. Sometimes you find them easy and sometimes you find them cumbersome. Within a couple of days (Friday & Saturday), everything will be sorted out."

Pressed to state the actual date the kits reached Morocco, he admitted that they came in late, after the tournament had already begun. However, he said they were in conversations with Nike officials to ensure they iron out the kinks to ensure a smooth process ahead of the AFCON, which will also be held in Morocco.