A video making the rounds on social media captures a significant moment during a charity football match in Uyo, where Nigerian ex-footballers and celebrities struggled to recite the new national anthem.
Among those present were Kanu Nwankwo, Joseph Yobo, Falz, Ebuka, Sabinus, Pocolee, Davido’s former lawyer Bobo Ajudua, rapper Odumodublvck, and Super Eagles captain Troost Ekong. The charity match, tagged “NoOnesXTEF,” was organized by the Troost Ekong Foundation and kicked off today, June 2nd, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The match featured the recitation of the new national anthem before it commenced. Recall that on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024, President Tinubu made headlines by changing the national anthem from “Arise O’ Compatriots” to the older “Nigeria We Hail Thee.”
In the video, none of the players could utter a word during the recitation of the new anthem, including notable figures like Yobo, Kanu, Sabinus, Falz, Ebuka, Bobo Ajudua, Pocolee, and others. However, rapper Odumodublvck appeared to be the only one familiar with the lyrics, as he could be seen mouthing some of the words.
The moment has sparked widespread reactions online, with many commenting on the unfamiliarity of the new anthem among the attendees and the broader implications of the sudden change.
Watch the video below;
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See reactions below;
tobibanks: Sabi no even send 😅.
omosexy1415: 😂😂😂😂😂 before una finish d national anthem. First half done finished 😂.
sassbyday: Sabinus doesn’t even want to be there 😂😂😂😂😂.
youonlybecameyourself: Kanu dey coach Poco lee 😂😂😂😂😂.
jameskale80: 😂😂 nobody knows it 😂😂.
edublackemerenini: Sabi should be arrested 🪖.
attahscoutingagency: @mrfunny1_ You just lost a fan for that act you portrayed during the national anthem.