Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede recently shared her thoughts on Nigeria’s sporting scene, from the Super Falcons’ performance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to her admiration for MMA star Israel Adesanya.
In an exclusive chat with The Observer Times, Jegede expressed her pride in the achievements of the Super Falcons and the D’Tigress, highlighting the resilience of Nigerian women in sports.
“Though I didn’t get to watch the Super Falcons live, I followed their journey closely on social media. They made us proud,” Jegede said. She commended their strong performance, noting the ongoing challenges Nigerian athletes face with limited resources. “There’s money in sports, but it needs to be distributed better. Our athletes need to feel the impact of their hard work.”
Jegede also shared her admiration for the D’Tigress, who clinched their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title under the guidance of female coach Rena Wakama. “What the women are doing this year is incredible. We need to support them more, and the federations must ensure the resources reach the players.”
A former basketball player in her youth, Jegede reminisced about her rebellious days on the court. “I wasn’t great at basketball, but it was a sport I enjoyed, especially since I could sometimes just watch others play. It was fun.”
When it comes to her sporting heroes, the actress fondly recalled the late Kobe Bryant. “Kobe Bryant is my all-time favourite. I love basketball, and Kobe was a true legend, not just for his game but for his personality as well.”
Shifting the conversation to combat sports, Jegede revealed her respect for Nigerian-born MMA star Israel Adesanya, who made waves on the global stage. “I’m not a fan of combat sports, but Adesanya has made us proud. I had to acknowledge that,” she said, adding with a smile, “If he wins again, I’ll feel the same way about him.”
Though not one to follow combat sports closely, Jegede expressed her admiration for athletes who excel on the global stage, making Nigeria proud. “It’s not easy. They put in the work, and we need to support them, not just cheer from the sidelines,” she emphasized.
On the topic of encouraging the next generation, Jegede voiced her belief in the changing attitudes towards sports. “Parents today are more open-minded about their children pursuing careers in arts or sports. It’s refreshing to see.”
In closing, she reflected on her love for sports and the importance of fostering talent. “I would encourage my kids to get into sports if they’re interested. We should support their passion, whatever it is.”
