Nigeria vs South Africa: Drama As Super Eagles Players Struggle To Sing New National Anthem, Video

Nigeria vs South Africa: Drama As Super Eagles Players Struggle To Sing New National Anthem, Video

Raphael Abiola
June 7, 2024 at 7:09 PM
In this article:
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
Super Eagles logo
Super Eagles
South Africa
South Africa logo
South Africa
South Africa
27
FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF) logo
FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)
Africa
  • The Super Eagles of Nigeria players were seen struggling to sing the new Nigerian national anthem
  • The drama happened during the World Cup qualifying game against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo
  • The three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions are still without a win in the qualifying series after two draws in their opening games

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Super Eagles players were spotted struggling to sing the new Nigerian national anthem, 'Nigeria we hail thee', before the World Cup qualifier against South Africa on Friday.

The three-time African champions hosted South Africa in their third qualifying game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, weeks ago signed the re-adoption of the former national anthem, 'Nigeria we hail thee' to replace the 'Arise O compatriots' which most Nigerians of this generation and beyond are familiar with.

Super Eagles players were spotting struggling with the new national anthem lyrics before the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa in Uyo. Photo: Issouf Sanogo.
Super Eagles players were spotting struggling with the new national anthem lyrics before the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa in Uyo. Photo: Issouf Sanogo.
Source: Getty Images

There were debates over the actions taken by the country's number one citizen, as the newly re-adopted national anthem had been discarded over four decades ago, according to a report by Soccernet.

Super Eagles stars struggle with new anthem

Singing the national anthem of each team during an international football match is a mandatory action before the kickoff, and it was an eyesore when the Nigerian players kept mute as they struggled to sing the new anthem lyrics ahead of their tie against Bafana Bafana.

Nigeria's next match would be against the Benin Republic at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Monday, June 10.

Finidi opens up ahead of South Africa game

Sports Brief also 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.

Authors
Raphael Abiola photo
Raphael Abiola
Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over five years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015.