In the ongoing clash against Benin Republic in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, the Super Eagles of Nigeria recited the ‘Arise O Compatriot’ anthem instead of the newly reinstated ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee.’
As reported by a The PUNCH, the players sang the now ‘old anthem’ at the start of the match.
President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law on May 29, reinstating the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
This change was announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a joint plenary attended by Tinubu.
The bill’s final assent shifts the official anthem from “Arise O Compatriots” to “Nigeria We Hail Thee.”
The bill was quickly passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, Head Coach Finidi George named Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman to lead the attack, with Victor Boniface starting on the bench.
The match is currently ongoing at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Last Friday, the Super Eagles faced increased pressure after drawing 1-1 with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
