Nigeria Players Spotted Studying New National Anthem Ahead of South Africa Clash: Video

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face South Africa in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier at home on Friday
• The AFCON silver medalist are yet to win a game in the qualifiers after two draws in the opening two matches
• The players have been spotted learning the new national anthem ahead of the big game at the Gdswill Akpabio Stadium

Players of the Nigeria national team, the Super Eagles, have been left with the challenge of learning a new national anthem before their game against South Africa on Friday, June 7, 2024.

President of the West African national, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signed into law a bill to revert to the country's old anthem which was dropped in 1978 by the military government.

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Football

The reversion of the old anthem has sparked social media commentary, with students, civilians and footballers taking turns to study it.

Ahead of Nigeria's crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa, players of the Super Eagles were seen on their phones assiduously learning the words to the pledge.

In a video that has since gone viral on social media, one of the players is seen reciting the anthem aloud for his teammates.

The anthem which starts with the words "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," was written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda, as reported by the BBC.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will be hoping to win their first game of the World Cup qualifiers after two draws from their opening two games.

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Finidi George remains confident ahead of his first task as permanent manager of the Super Eagles with a crucial clash against South Africa.

The 53-year-old, who was appointed coach by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) barely 39 days ago, is faced with a make-or-break situation to ensure the Super Eagles defeat Hugo Broos' side and keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on track.

However, not deterred by the minimal time frame, the Super Eagles gaffer has been upbeat and talking tough in the lead-up to his side's clash against South Africa.