Photo: Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have recited the old national anthem, “Arise O Compatriots,” during their fourth-round match against Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers on Monday.
This occurred despite the recent legislative changes reinstating the older anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The match, held at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, saw the Nigerian players confidently sing the previous anthem, which had been their anthem for decades before the legislative change. Reporters on the scene noted the players’ unified recitation of “Arise O Compatriots” at the match’s commencement, a sight that stirred mixed emotions among the fans and officials present.
Recall, President Bola Tinubu, on May 29, 2024, signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law, officially reinstating “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the country’s national anthem. Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed this change during a joint plenary session attended by President Tinubu. The bill, which swiftly passed through both the Senate and the House of Representatives, marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s national identity.
Despite this legislative change, the players’ choice to sing the old anthem has sparked discussions and raised questions about the transition’s implementation. Some supporters believe it reflects the players’ attachment to the anthem they’ve sung for years, while others see it as an oversight in the communication and enforcement of the new law.
On the tactical front, head coach Finidi George made strategic selections for this critical match. Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman were named to lead the attack, with Victor Boniface starting on the bench. The selected lineup for the Super Eagles included:
- Goalkeeper: Nwabali
- Defenders: Bassey, Tanimu, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel
- Midfielders: Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi
- Attackers: Chukwueze, Lookman, Moffi
The bench featured notable talents such as Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Abdullahi, Tom Dele-Bashiru, Chidozie Awaziem, Ibrahim Olawoyin, Ifeanyi Igboke, Abubakar Ismaila, and goalkeepers Maduka Okoye and Francis Ojo.
The match against Benin Republic is crucial for Nigeria’s journey towards the 2026 World Cup, with the team under significant pressure to secure a win. The Super Eagles, historically a dominant force in African football, have faced mounting expectations to not only qualify but also to perform admirably in the World Cup.
This incident with the national anthem comes at a time when the team is trying to rebuild its identity under new leadership and legislative changes. The decision to revert to the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” has been met with a mix of nostalgia and controversy among Nigerians. The anthem, originally composed in 1960, served as the national anthem until it was replaced by “Arise O Compatriots” in 1978.
Many Nigerians have expressed their views on social media, with some praising the return to the older anthem for its historical significance, while others argue that “Arise O Compatriots” has been an integral part of their national consciousness for over four decades.
As the match progresses, fans are keenly watching how the Super Eagles perform and whether this anthem incident will affect their focus and morale. The outcome of this match could significantly impact Nigeria’s standing in the World Cup qualifiers and the team’s preparation for future games.
The ongoing game at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium continues to draw attention, not just for the footballing skills on display but also for the symbolic act of reciting an anthem that has been recently legislated out of practice. This clash against Benin Republic is more than just a football match; it reflects a moment of transition and identity for Nigerian football and the nation as a whole.
As the Super Eagles push forward in their quest for World Cup qualification, the anthem they sing before each match will remain a poignant reminder of their history and the evolving narrative of Nigerian national pride.
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