Super Eagles recite old national anthem with confusion in Benin match

The Super Eagles of Nigeria, during their ongoing clash against Benin Republic in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, recited the “Arise O Compatriots” anthem, rather than the newly reinstated “Nigeria We Hail Thee” anthem.

The players sang the old anthem at the beginning of the match, as reported by a PUNCH journalist.

This follows President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law on May 29, which reinstated “Nigeria We Hail Thee” as the national anthem. Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed this during a joint plenary session attended by Tinubu.

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The bill’s final passage represents a significant shift from the previously recognized “Arise O Compatriots.” The legislation was quickly approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Ahead of the match, Head Coach Finidi George named Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman to lead the attack, while Victor Boniface was placed on the bench. The Super Eagles took to the field with the following lineup:

– Goalkeeper: Nwabali

– Defenders: Bassey, Tanimu, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel

– Midfielders: Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi

– Attackers: Chukwueze, Lookman, Moffi

Substitutes include Iheanacho, Boniface, Onuachu, Abdullahi, Dele-Bashiru, Onyeka Awaziem, Olawoyin, Igboke, Ismaila, Okoye (GK), and Ojo (GK).

The match is currently being played at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan. Last Friday, the Super Eagles faced pressure after a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.