The Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur News and Links for Monday, June 21

Hi, everyone!

Today’s lead image is from the weekend, when Tottenham Hotspur Stadium served as a COVID-19 vaccine distribution site.

Ramble of the Day

Following the rambles ranking the kits at this year’s Euros and Copa América, I will do the same for the upcoming Gold Cup and Olympic tournaments. One team that won’t be playing in any of these tournaments, though, is Nigeria. It’s a shame because the national team is continuing a tradition of amazing kits.

Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Nigeria did not qualify for either the men’s or women’s Olympic tournaments, but got to rock their 2020-21 home kit in a match against the US women’s national team on Wednesday. I have no idea if they’ll be wearing this at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, so it’s getting the spotlight now just in case we don’t see it at a major tournament.

I think what works in Nigeria’s favor is that the national team has an amazing set of colors — the dark green that comes from the country’s flag is a great shade, but the lighter green they use frequently on the Nike kits works so well. This is another great design, too; further away from maximalism the way the iconic 2018 home kit was, but still a strong look. It’s a shame it won’t be on display at international tournaments this year, but it’s a kit that deserves to be recognized.

tl;dr: Nigeria and Nike put out another great home kit.

Stay informed, read this: Sapna Maheshwari and Vanessa Friedman on Victoria’s Secret, which is swapping its angels for an inclusive group of ambassadors for The New York Times

Links of the Day

UEFA is investigating Hungary after supporters shared homophobic and racist messages, and halted an investigation into Germany after Manuel Neuer wore a rainbow armband.

Washington Spirit’s Kumi Yokoyama came out as transgender, and will use the pronouns they/them.

Mexico will play its first two 2022 World Cup qualifiers behind closed doors as punishment for supporters using a homophobic slur.

Barcelona signed Memphis Depay on a free.

CONMEBOL will fine multiple Chile players for breaking COVID-19 protocols by inviting a barber into the Copa América bubble.

A US federal judge granted a preliminary injunction that would allow 15-year-old Olivia Moultrie to sign an NWSL contract.

A longer read: William Ralston on the art of caring for a football pitch, perfected in the UK for the Guardian