THE VITALS:

Team: Nigeria

Brand: Nike

Era: 1996 (Used for the 1996 Men’s Summer Olympic Games and the 1996 Men’s Summer Olympic Games Final)

Name/Number: Okocha #10

CONDITION: EXCELLENT

Although a modern remake, this shirt looks immaculate; likely, never been worn before such is the standing of the material and respective applications! Please bare in mind that the Nike swoosh is printed on the shirt as is the name and numbering.

DIMENSIONS:

Size: Medium

Pit to Pit Measurement: 20 inches

Shirt Length: 29.5 inches 

Made by Nike in their ‘Premier Fit’ range of apparel, this dimensions of this shirt may actually be better suited for a size large.

DESCRIPTION:

This legendary shirt was made by Nike for Nigeria ahead of their fourth participation in the Olympic Games which took place in the United States in 1996, and fourth time was the charm as ‘The Super Eagles’ entered the pantheon of the immortals when they defeated Argentina to win the Gold Medal on 3^rd August 1996 in front of over 86,000 fans at Sanford Stadium in Athens! This classic design moved on from Nike’s debut effort by relegating the black and white eagle motif to the collar, while a thick white block came down the middle of the green backdrop and the design was replicated on the sleeves. The Nigeria text on the chest was now coloured black while the Nike swoosh was also added to the base of the shirt, while the Nigeria Football Federation crest was applied to the sleeve creating one of Nike’s most distinguished and well loved creations of all time!

THE SEASON:

Jo Bonfrere would take talented squad to the United States as he boasted the likes of: Celestine Babayaro, Taribo West, Nwankwo Kanu, Uche Okechukwu, Emmanuel Amuneke, Tijani Babanginda, Jay-Jay Okocha, Victor Ikpeba, Daniel Amokachi and Sunday Oliseh amongst his 18 man roster!

‘The Super Eagles’ would take their place in Group D alongside – Brazil, Nigeria and Hungary with the nation looking to claim their first ever victory at the Olympic Games, and on 21^st July, they would make history when Kanu’s goal earnt a 1-0 victory over Hungary – 3x Gold Medallists, at the Orange Bowl in Miami! Next up for Nigeria would be Japan in a rematch of their 1968 clash in Mexico City, and Nigeria would avenge that defeat when they secured a late 2-0 win; meaning that ahead of their final Group outing versus Brazil; Nigeria led the way with 6 points!

At the end of their third meeting at the Olympic games, Nigeria would still be looking for their first win over Brazil as they were beaten 1-0, however, they and the South American nation would progress on superior goal difference ahead of Japan with all three nations finishing on 6 points apiece.

Their quarter final opponents would be Mexico, and Nigeria would prevail 2-0 thanks to goals from Okocha and Babayaro to set up a semi-final and rematch with Brazil! A legendary contest would go to extra time a 3-3 before Kanu netted the Golden Goal to become the first ever African nation to reach the final of the Olympic Games!

Their oppponents in the 3^rd August Final in Athens, Georgia would be a very strong Argentina side who were unbeaten thus far at the games and boasted Hernan Crespo who had 5 goals to his name. Battling from 2-1 down after 50 minutes following a Crespo penalty; Daniel Amokachi would equalise in the 74^th minute before Emmanuel Amuneke netted a 90^th minute winner to seal a legendary 3-2 winner and become Olympic Gold Medalists!

The notable players to wear that season were:

Nwankwo Kanu, Daniel Amokachi, Garba Lawal, Victor Ikpeba, Jay-Jay Okocha, Tijani Babanginda, Wilson Oruma, Emmanuel Amuneke, Teslim Fatusi, Sunday Oliseh, Uche Okechukwu, Abiodun Obafemi, Kingsley Obiekwu, Mobi Oparaku, Celestine Babayaro, Taribo West, Dosu Joseph, Emmanuel Babayaro