Controversy As Super Eagles Sing Arise O Compatriots At World Cup Qualifier (Video)

In a shocking move, the old national anthem of Nigeria, “Arise O Compatriots,” was played and recited by the Super Eagles before their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on Monday. The unexpected development has sparked reactions from fans and officials alike.

Watch the video below;

The Super Eagles, currently facing a precarious situation in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, took on Benin at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Despite being expected to dominate the match, the team which drew their previous three games lost the match to less fancied Benin Republic.

The use of the old national anthem, which was replaced by “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” following a recent government law, has raised questions about the origin of the error. It is unclear whether the mistake came from FIFA, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), or the stadium sound engineers.

Reactions have been swift, with many expressing confusion and surprise at the unexpected development. As the Super Eagles continue their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, this incident has added an extra layer of controversy to their campaign.

Read some netizens reactions below;

@mahmud: The FG have not sent them any notifications that they have changed the national anthem

@hassan: They were not informed 😹😂

@solaegunjobi: U think FIFA watch NTA news? Shouldn’t someone in the Nigerian delegation have made sure the right anthem was played? Especially since the change was so recent…

@ojuowod: Is it a must we force it on them since they cannot recite the new national anthem?

@realunclemario: So fifa should come and meet you people in Abuja Abi? What is the work of the football federation of Nigeria 🤦🏻🤦🏻🤦🏻
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