The Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school faced relegation from the prestigious Special Group of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival after finishing last in the competition. In this year's debut, the school only received two scores of 10 from the judges during their performance evaluation held on February 18. The team's poor performance has sparked discussions on the competitive landscape of the Carnival event and the challenges faced by new entrants.

Their Carnival presentation, titled 'From the Heights of Mulungu Comes Hope: Lula, the Worker of Brazil,' traced the life of President Lula from his childhood in the Northeast through his family's migration to São Paulo, his work as a metalworker, and his eventual rise to the presidency. This narrative aimed to celebrate Lula's journey and connection to the working-class population, embodying themes of resilience and hope amidst adversity.

The school notably included elements such as a representation of the Palácio do Planalto ramp during their performance to commemorate Lula's recent inauguration, as well as prominent figures from Brazilian society, including representations of former presidents and a minister from the Supreme Federal Court. This artistic endeavor not only celebrated Lula's legacy but also highlighted the cultural significance of the Carnival as a space for political expression and commentary in Brazil, despite the unfortunate outcome for the school this year.