Sports

Nigeria To Sing New National Anthem In WCQ Clash Against South Africa And Benin

Fans of Nigerian sports teams will hear a different anthem during international competitions, as president Tinubu has signed a bill to change Arise O’ Compatriots into law.

The Nigerian national team will not only have a new permanent manager in the dugout for their next internationals, they will also line up to a different tune, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a bill to change the country’s anthem into law.

Advertisement

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will next be in action on June 3rd when they will face Bafana Bafana in CAF’s World Cup qualifiers.

As is customary in international fixtures, the national anthems of the competing teams are sung at the start, with the players lining up shoulder to shoulder before exchanging pleasantries.

Advertisement

Since 1978 till date, the Green Eagles, who subsequently became the Super Eagles, have sung the Pa Benedict Odiase-composed anthem, “Arise O’ Compatriots.”

This anthem has been the nation’s tune for 46 years and has been played at the Olympics, World Cups, AFCONs, All African Games, Commonwealth Games and all other sporting events with Nigerian representation during that period. That is now set to change, as the government has passed a bill to revert to the previous anthem.

Advertisement

Not-so-new anthem for Nigeria and Super Eagles
As a British colony, Nigeria’s anthem before independence was “God Save The Queen.” Upon independence in 1960, however, a change was required, and the country had a new anthem that represented her newfound sovereignty “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

The anthem was changed to “Arise O’ Compatriots” in 1978; however, per Arise News, the Nigerian legislative and executive arms of government have officially reverted to the erstwhile:

Lyrics of “New” Nigerian National Anthem
Nigeria, we hail thee,

Advertisement

Our own dear native land,

Though tribe and tongue may differ,

Advertisement

In brotherhood, we stand,

Nigerians all, and proud to serve

Advertisement

Our sovereign Motherland.

Our flag shall be a symbol

Advertisement

That truth and justice reign,

In peace or battle honour’d,

Advertisement

And this we count as gain,

To hand on to our children

Advertisement

A banner without stain. O God of all creation,

Grant this our one request,

Advertisement

Help us to build a nation

Where no man is oppressed,

Advertisement

And so with peace and plenty

Nigeria may be blessed.

Advertisement

The Super Eagles have World Cup qualifiers on June 7th and 12th against South Africa and the Benin Republic, and this new anthem will be used as required by law.

Also, the Nigerian contingent for the coming Summer Olympics will also have to brush up on “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

Advertisement
citynews

Recent Posts

BBNaija’s Dorathy goes naughty on her birthday(Photos)

Dorathy Bachor has put her massive cleavage on display as she turns a year older.…

10 hours ago

I didn’t lose 2023 election, you stole it – Atiku to Tinubu

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar has insisted that the outcome of the 2023 presidential election…

10 hours ago

Breaking: Tinubu Directs Release Of Minors Arraigned For Hunger Protests

President Bola Tinubu on Monday, directed the immediate release of all the minors who were…

10 hours ago

Eniola Ajao reveals why she nearly poisoned herself

Eniola Ajao, a popular Yoruba actress and filmmaker has revealed how fake news on social…

12 hours ago

Agatha Amata releases new photos on her 55th birthday

Agatha Amata is celebrating her 55th birthday today Taking to X to celebrate her new age,…

13 hours ago

Legendary music producer, Quincy Jones d!es at 91

Legendary American music producer, Quincy Jones has died at the age of 91.    …

14 hours ago