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The old national anthem of Nigeria was played and recited by the Super Eagles of Nigeria before their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on Monday.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Super Eagles are currently taking on Benin at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire with their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in a precarious situation.
The Super Eagles, expected to soar higher against Les Guépards, had drawn their three previous games, and are in fifth place on the 2026 World Cup qualifier log.
When the Super Eagles lined up for their Monday’s encounter against Benin Republic, who are in third place, the old national anthem, “Arise O Compatriots” was played in the stadium to the surprise of many.
The Nigerian government had passed a new law returning the nation to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the reigning national anthem.
It was not clear at the time of filing this report where the error came from; whether the error is from FIFA, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) or from stadium sound engineers.
However, reactions have trailed the usage of the old national anthem for the Benin vs Nigeria 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Read reactions below:
Before the Nigeria match started, FIFA decided to play the previous National Anthem. Is FIFA not aware of the recent changes of our national anthem? pic.twitter.com/Hg874KYjvg
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— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) June 10, 2024
The Super Eagles of Nigeria sang the old national anthem instead of the new one 😂
This is laughable and shows the confusion coming from this government#SoarSuperEagles YBNL Erik Ten Hag Aunty Ramota
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— Realtuanta (@realtuanta) June 10, 2024
Nigeria Dey play match, na old national anthem them play for them…
What a shame!!!!
— The Rosy PRODIGY 🌹 🏳️🌈 (@_TChukwuemeka) June 10, 2024
Why are they still reciting the “Arise O Compatriot” national anthem at the lineup
— Igoche Rock (@RockMan_IG) June 10, 2024
Why disrespect our country with the outlawed national anthem…. This is both embarrassing, distasteful and unfortunate. #SoarSuperEagles
— Jerry Research (@Jerry_Research1) June 10, 2024