NFF Criticizes Benin FA for National Anthem Mix-Up During World Cup Qualifier
Written by Jerry Alomatu on June 11, 2024
Following Nigeria’s 2-1 loss against the Benin Republic in their fourth game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Monday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has criticized the Beninoise Football Federation for a national anthem error before the match, Punch Reports.
The incident occurred before the match at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny stadium in Abidjan, Benin Republic’s adopted home ground. Nigerian players and fans were confused and upset when the old national anthem was played instead of the new one. This contrasted with the previous game against South Africa, where the new anthem was correctly played in Uyo.
NFF’s Director of Media and Communications, Ademola Olajire, explained that the NFF had provided a recording of the new national anthem to the Benin FA during the Match Coordination Meeting in Abidjan on Sunday evening.
“We gave them the recording of our new national anthem, only for them to play the wrong one at the beginning of the match. We protested strongly and insisted that the Super Eagles would not start the second half until the new national anthem of Nigeria was played,” stated Dayo Enebi Achor, Head of International Competitions, via the statement.
The Benin FA eventually played the new Nigerian national anthem before the second half began, following the NFF’s protests.
Fans took to their social media handles to unleash their displeasure towards such negligence. On a contrary, Social media influencer Daniel Regha said, “Nigeria has more national anthem than goals per match, thank you Finidi George, but the NFF also shares in the blame. Up Super Eagles.”
This incident follows President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the National Anthem Bill 2024, which reinstated the old anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” This anthem was used from 1960 until it was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.
Author: Jerry Alomatu
Astute communicator
