It’s interesting that Alex Iwobi admitted he hasn’t fully learned the reintroduced national anthem yet. Given that “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” has such a deep history, and it’s only recently been reintroduced after being replaced for decades, it’s understandable that many people, including players, might not immediately adjust to it. Iwobi’s reaction of standing with his eyes closed and hand on his chest seems like a respectful way of participating while still processing the change.
This reintroduction has definitely stirred up some debate, with figures like Aisha Yesufu openly rejecting the return of the old anthem, highlighting how symbolic these kinds of decisions can be. It’ll be interesting to see if others in Nigeria, including public figures and athletes, gradually embrace the anthem or continue to resist it. What do you think about the return of the old anthem?