Updated:Super Eagles Sing Wrong Anthem, Lose Feebly to Benin in World Cup Qualifier

Super Eagles Sing Old Anthem in World Cup Qualifier Against Benin Republic

Eaglessightnews reports that the  Super Eagles of Nigeria has been sighted singing the old national anthem, “Arise O Compatriot”, at the start of their 2026 World Cup Qualifier match against Benin Republic.

This happened on Monday, despite the recent change to “Nigeria We Hail Thee”.

New Anthem Law Signed by President Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law on May 29, reinstating the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”. The bill was rapidly cleared by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, as disclosed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a joint plenary session attended by Tinubu.

Super Eagles Lineup Announced

Ahead of the match, Head Coach Finidi George named Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman to lead the attack, with Victor Boniface on the bench. The starting lineup includes:

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

Match Details

The match is part of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers and is being played at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The Super Eagles are currently fifth in Group C with three points, having drawn all three games in the series. Benin Republic’s sole victory came in 2017 via a penalty, with Nigeria dominating their encounters, winning 13 of their 16 matches and drawing two.

Outcome of the match

Meanwhile,the Super Eagles of Nigeria  on Monday, were later  defeated 2-1 by Benin Republic in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

In the 29th minute, Raphael Onyedika’s effort to the right corner of the post opened the score for Nigeria.

However, Jodel Dossou of Benin tied the score with a well-placed shot after the Super Eagles made a defensive blunder.

Benin took the lead shortly before halftime thanks to a right-footed goal by Steve Mounie from a corner.

The Super Eagles lost the second half despite the introduction of Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, and Ibrahim Olawoyin, among others. Nigeria was unable to equalise.

Head coach Finidi George, named Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman to spearhead the attack, while Boniface was placed on the bench.

The Super Eagles took to the field goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. In defence were Bassey, Tanimu, Ajayi and Osayi-Samuel. Meanwhile, Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi started in midfield. Leading the attack were Chukwueze, Lookman and Moffi.

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

Meanwhile, the result of this match means that Nigeria is now placed fifth, while the Benin Republic moves up to first place in the six-team table.

Nigeria, in four matches, has drawn three and lost one.

Last Friday, Pressure mounted on the Super Eagles after the team played a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Themba Zwane of South Africa opened the scoresheet in the 29th minute of the match played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Equalising after a superb turn, Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru slotted in a low shot to the edge of the post in the 46th minute. The match ended in a stalemate.