Nigerian athletes wear tracksuits at ceremony after outfits don't make it to Rio
The opening ceremony Friday at the Rio Olympics saw the countries of the world display colorful uniforms depicting their culture.
Nigeria has always impressed with its attire during the event, which made Friday's donning of tracksuits very puzzling.
Turns out there was a good reason for the simple choice. According to Alexander Wolff of Sports Illustrated, the delegation was forced to wear tracksuits for the opening ceremony after their planned didn't make it to Rio in time.
The uniform problem occurs just one day after the soccer team barely arrived in Brazil before its opening-round game. Flight issues kept the team in Atlanta two days past the team's scheduled departure until Thursday morning. Despite the setback, Nigeria won the opening-round contest over Japan 5-4.
The delegation's appearance in the opening ceremony brought about underwhelming comments on social media from those unaware of the uniform situation.
Tracksuits Tracksuits.. Why are they in Tracksuits smh #Nigeria #OpeningCeremony
— Miss_Tee (@babii_vYB3z) August 6, 2016
I'm for UK, USA, Jamaica and Nigeria but Nigeria have already let me down with the tracksuits so that gets an F #OpeningCeremony
— Alice (@alice2096) August 6, 2016
So I stayed up for Naija to wear tracksuits? I don't know who is more stupid - me or them. #Rio2016 #OpeningCeremony #Nigeria #fail
— Bim Amoako (@BimAmoako) August 6, 2016
The #OpeningCeremony gives every nation the chance to display its fashion culture to the greatest audience. Nigeria came out in track suits!
— Chris Adetayo (@chrisadet) August 6, 2016
Hopefully the outfits make it to Brazil in time for the closing ceremony on Aug. 21.