Alex Iwobi confesses to not knowing Nigeria’s national anthem

By Monsurah Olatunji

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has admitted that he is still unfamiliar with the new Nigerian national anthem, a confession that has drawn attention in recent discussions surrounding the anthem’s reintroduction.

The Nigeria international made this revelation during a recent episode of the ‘Is This Seat Taken?’ podcast, hosted by Nollywood actress Chinasa Anukam.

Iwobi shared that, despite his prominent role in the Super Eagles, he is still adjusting to the national anthem, which was reintroduced in May 2024 after being initially replaced in 1978.

The newly re-adopted anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda.

It replaced the anthem “Arise O’ Compatriots,” composed by Pa Benedict Odiase, which had been in use by the Super Eagles since 1978.

The anthem’s return was part of a broader initiative endorsed by President Bola Tinubu, but it has proven difficult for some sports stars to fully adapt to the change.

Iwobi was candid about his struggle with the new anthem, explaining that he still hasn’t fully grasped the melody and lyrics.

“No. When it comes on, I literally just stand there and close my eyes,” he admitted when asked if he had learned the new anthem.

The reintroduction of the old national anthem has also left many Super Eagles players in a similar position.

During the first match after the change, several players were visibly silent as the anthem played—not in protest, but seemingly due to unfamiliarity with the tune.

As time passes, Iwobi and his teammates may yet become more accustomed to the anthem, but for now, it seems that the transition remains a work in progress.