- Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi admitted that he has not yet learned the newly reintroduced Nigerian national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”
- President Bola Tinubu endorsed the reinstatement of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” originally written by Lillian Jean Williams, in May 2024
Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has admitted that he has not yet learned the newly reintroduced Nigerian national anthem.
The anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee, was originally written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda. It was Nigeria’s national anthem until Arise, O Compatriots replaced it on October 1, 1978. However, in May 2024, President Bola Tinubu endorsed its reinstatement.
During a recent episode of the Is This Seat Taken? podcast, hosted by Nollywood actress Chinasa Anukam, Iwobi shared his experience with the anthem before international matches.
When asked by the host if he had learned the new anthem, the Nigeria international responded, “No. When it comes on, I literally stand there, close my eyes, and place my hand on my chest.”