Confusion in Accra as organisers play old anthem for Amusan

 

Nigeria’s golden moment at the 24th African Athletics Championships in Accra came with an unexpected blast from the past.

As Tobi Amusan stood proudly on the podium after winning gold in the women’s 100m hurdles on Wednesday night, organisers played Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Arise O Compatriots,” instead of the recently reintroduced “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

Video link: https://x.com/i/status/2054866894285381700

The mix-up immediately sparked reactions online, adding another layer of controversy to a championship already battling criticism over poor organisation.

President Bola Tinubu had, in May 2024, signed into law the bill restoring Nigeria’s old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” replacing “Arise O Compatriots,” which had served as the country’s anthem since 1978.

Yet in Accra, as Amusan celebrated another continental title, the stadium speakers appeared stuck in another era.

Veteran journalist and lawyer Osasu Obayiuwana reacted sarcastically on X:

 “Arise o compatriots!!!!” This is the real anthem of #Nigeria, as played at the #AAC in Ghana… Not that other fake anthem one man called Jagaban forced on Nigerians”

Another X user, Sam Oba, mocked the organisers’ blunder:

 “Height of poor organization by Ghana. Can’t even play correct anthem.I shame for gold coast o”

The anthem drama quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of Day Two, overshadowing what was otherwise a strong outing for Team Nigeria.

Amusan claimed gold in the women’s 100m hurdles in 12.83 seconds, while Adaobi Tabugbo completed Nigeria’s dominance in the event by winning bronze.

Nigeria also struck gold in the mixed 4x400m relay, where the quartet of Ezekiel Asuquo, Toheebat Jimoh, Victor Sampson and Patience Okon-George defeated Botswana to retain their continental dominance in the event.

There were more medals for Nigeria as Chidera Ezeakor won bronze in the men’s 100m, while Sade Olatoye secured silver in the women’s hammer throw.

Competition challenges 

However, the competition itself has increasingly been overshadowed by complaints about organisation.

Athletes, journalists and officials have criticised delays in transportation, poor communication, accreditation problems, inconsistent scheduling and limited internet access at the championships.

Some participants reportedly endured long waiting hours for buses between hotels and venues, while media professionals complained about poor workspace arrangements and lack of timely information.

The anthem mix-up during Amusan’s medal ceremony now joins a growing list of embarrassing moments for organisers.

Ironically, the confusion came during one of Nigeria’s proudest moments of the championships.

While Ghana struggled to get the anthem right, Amusan and Team Nigeria had little trouble delivering the right results on the track.