The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is working to ensure the Super Eagles players are familiar with the recently reversed national anthem ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
With only seven days remaining before the first match against Bafana Bafana in Uyo on June 7, the NFF is aware of the potential for international embarrassment if the players struggle to recite the anthem correctly.
According to reports gathered by The Athletic NG, the football governing body has devised a plan to help the players learn the new anthem. This includes encouraging them to practice independently before joining the national team camp and potentially organizing a dedicated training session to ensure they are comfortable and confident in their performance.
“The NFF is aware that some of the players may struggle to get used to the reversed national anthem, hence its plans to set a session aside to teach and perfect it before our game against South Africa,” a source within the NFF reportedly revealed to The Guardian.
The Super Eagles will also face Benin Republic in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on June 10, with the match being played at a neutral venue after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deemed Benin’s stadiums unsuitable for international fixtures.
The Benin Football Association has secured one of the stadiums used during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to host the match.
Currently, the Super Eagles sit third in their qualifying group with two points after two matches, while Benin, coached by former Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr, has one point. Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho are the other teams vying for qualification in this group.
