By Nomali Cele
As you know, for the 2018 World Cup, we are #BehindTheBig5. What does that mean? There are a total of five teams at the World Cup and we have dubbed them the Big Five for being the best. We are extending our Afropolitan love and rooting for the five best teams on the continent whose hard work and discipline have led to them qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
While a few of the teams are on the way out, our support endures. To share even more love for the African teams who have been representing at the World Cup, here we highlighting each team’s 2018 World Cup Jersey!
Egypt
The Pharaohs debuted a plain-looking red jersey at Russia 2018. While the front features a tile effect, it wasn’t good enough for the fans. The kit wasn’t met with a lot of enthusiasm because of how different it looked compared to the other kits by the manufacturer, which had been bold and intricate. Just look at Spain’s kit.
Morocco
Group B has been wild tonight! #ESPMAR pic.twitter.com/hTvDIZaIR0
— FIFA World Cup ? (@FIFAWorldCup) June 25, 2018
The Atlas Lions have been playing in a white jersey with pops of red and a touch of green. This jersey was also heavily criticised by the team’s fans. Much like the Egypt jersey, fans were not moved by its simple design. Simple isn’t always the best way to go as it tends to be viewed as a lack of effort from the manufacturer’s side. Morocco was also one of the last teams to unveil its kit.
Nigeria
The Super Eagles are Global. Nowhere was this more evident than when Nike announced the Nigeria World Cup Jersey was sold out online. In cities such as London, however, Nigeria fans did even more by holding long queues outside the flagship Nike store in a bid to get the jersey. The 2018 home jersey, the patterned one, is inspired by the Super Eagles’ 1994 jersey.
Senegal
Senegal jersey came in the mail & it’s ? pic.twitter.com/ol4lOjPUHE
— Clint Smith (@ClintSmithIII) June 22, 2018
The Lions of Teranga have been wearing their hearts on their chest this World Cup. Their jersey features a lion on the front. Most fans have kept the team’s 2017 alternate jersey, which features a roaring lion, in rotation during this World Cup.
Tunisia
For the 2018 World Cup, Tunisia has gone for a simple, understated kit featuring a white and red home jersey and a red and white away jersey. The Carthage Eagles have paid homage to their flag with this kit.
Clearly, only the Super Eagles went all out with their kit, but what’s your favourite kit at Russia 2018?
We are #BehindTheBig5! Are you?