Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has made a surprising confession—he has not yet learned the lyrics to Nigeria’s reintroduced national anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee. The footballer made the admission during a recent episode of the Is This Seat Taken podcast, hosted by Chinasa Anukam.
During the conversation, Iwobi revealed that instead of singing along when the anthem is played before international matches, he simply closes his eyes and places his hand on his chest. When asked directly if he had memorized the anthem, he responded candidly, “No. When it comes on, I literally stand there and close my eyes.”
The Nigerian government recently reinstated Nigeria, We Hail Thee, a national anthem originally adopted in 1960 but later replaced in 1978. The decision has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some embracing the change while others—including notable public figures—have openly refused to adopt it.
Iwobi’s admission adds a lighthearted element to the ongoing debate, as many Nigerians continue to struggle with memorizing the anthem. His response resonated with some social media users, who admitted they were also yet to fully learn the lyrics. “At least Iwobi is honest! Most of us don’t know the words either,” one fan commented.
