William Troost-Ekong has described Nigeria’s iconic 2018 FIFA World Cup jersey as “the best football shirt ever,” reflecting on the memories attached to the kit and the unprecedented global phenomenon it became.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Africa, the former Super Eagles captain said the jersey holds a special place in his personal collection because of the unforgettable moments associated with Nigeria’s campaign in Russia.
“This is the best football shirt ever,” Troost-Ekong said. “It’s my shirt from the 2018 World Cup in Russia. I wore it against Iceland on the 22nd of June, an iconic game that all of us Nigerians will never ever forget.”
That match remains one of the defining moments of Nigeria’s World Cup history, with Ahmed Musa scoring twice in a 2-0 victory over Iceland to keep the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
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“It was the moment when Ahmed Musa scored two amazing goals to make the difference,” Troost-Ekong recalled. “And it was the game that put us in the position to compete against Argentina for the final group stage game.”
While the on-field memories are cherished, Troost-Ekong believes the jersey’s greatest legacy lies in the cultural movement it sparked.
“The thing that I love the most about this shirt, and why it is my favourite, is the bold design,” he said. “I remember when this came out, everyone around the street was trying to get hold of it.”
“I had so many calls and messages, and anyone who could have got their hold on it, it was like gold dust. And this is one that is hidden away in my personal collection. Even my kids won’t be able to take this one off me.”
Designed by Nike, the green-and-white zigzag home jersey drew inspiration from Nigeria’s legendary 1994 Super Eagles kit while incorporating patterns influenced by traditional Adire textile designs.
Its bold chevron sleeves and vibrant aesthetic blurred the lines between football apparel and streetwear, earning widespread acclaim from fans, celebrities and fashion enthusiasts.
The shirt’s popularity transcended football almost immediately after its launch. Nike reportedly received around three million pre-orders before the tournament began, while the jersey sold out within minutes in stores across the world, making it one of the fastest-selling football shirts ever released.
Its success has often been cited as a watershed moment in football kit design, proving that national team jerseys could become global fashion statements.
The jersey has since been recognised among the greatest World Cup shirts of all time, with many regarding it as the most iconic national team kit of the modern era.
More than six years after its debut, the 2018 Super Eagles jersey continues to enjoy legendary status, remembered not only for its striking design but also for the excitement it generated worldwide.
For Troost-Ekong, however, its true value lies beyond the hype. It is a treasured reminder of one of the most memorable chapters in his international career and a symbol of a shirt that united millions of Nigerians in pride.
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