No regrets for snubbing sport for entertainment — Eku Edewor

Eku Edewor, a British-Nigerian actress, TV presenter and model talks about her passion for sports, racism and more, in this interview with ANTHONY NLEBEM

Did you play sports as a child?

I played sports during my primary and secondary school years. I was very active in school sports. I had the 100m indoor track and field record and the long jump record in my high school. I also played football and was part of my school team in England.

Looking at how much sports people earn these days, do you regret not pursuing a career in sports?

I don't regret not having a career in sport. I don't think I have the discipline to be an athlete. It takes a lot of dedication and hours of training and it takes a lot out of the body. It's very physically demanding and I just couldn't see myself in this type of career. My sister tried to encourage me to do it, but I couldn't stand the rigorous daily workouts. You have to be extremely dedicated if you want to become a successful athlete.

Which Nigerian athlete do you look up to?

The world champion. Tobi Amusan. I am really impressed with the level at which she competes and the fact that she was able to improve her time; and it just keeps getting better. It's amazing to do this because often when you're up against world-class athletes who have access to better training, it's even more impressive to come out on top.

As a British-Nigerian, if Nigeria pay against England, which team will you support?

I will definitely support the Nigerian team, even though I'm half British. In fact, I was raised in Nigeria and I have a lot of national pride in Nigeria because the country has so much of my identity. I will always be a Nigerian fan.

Are you a big fan of Nigerian football?

I only follow football when Nigeria play in the World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations, I don't follow the Nigerian league. I'm not a big football fan so to speak, but I played for my school team. I grew up in Nigeria and football was just a big part of our culture. I was on the girls team. One of my uncles owned a football team when we were younger. I don't have that burning interest in football like you see some fans crying when their team loses.

Which Nigerian footballer do you most admire?

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When we were younger, everyone knew some of the big names in the Super Eagles like Nwankwo Kanu and Daniel Amokachi and they were national heroes. I'm also impressed when I see young Nigerian talent getting picked up by foreign clubs, obviously it's a way to improve their lives.

What is your opinion on racism in sport?

I found this really disappointing because the whole point of the sports scene is an equal training ground that gives everyone opportunities at the same level. No matter where you come from or your background, you compete on an equal level. It's really disheartening that racism comes into play because that energy can affect the morale of the players who have to go and do their best and as a result, you undermine their spirit. Moreover, racism makes it an unfair playing field for those who have been abused by putting so much negativity in their minds. There is no place for racism in sport and it's really disappointing that people these days are sore losers.

What do you think about male footballers earning more than their female counterparts?

The men's soccer league generates much more money and contributes a lot to the financing of the GDP of the country from which it operates. So I think players should be evaluated against what the league can afford. I really don't think female players should be underpaid. The men's league makes so much more money than the women's league so it's more about reviewing the salary and encouraging more people to support women's football and grow it until it gets to the point where they make more money, then players can start demanding equal pay. I don't think it's comparable, the demand for each is very different.

If one of your children chose sports, would you support them?

I will support any of my children who wish to choose a career in sport if they have a strong passion for it. I encourage sport at school because I think it's a great lesson to learn this life...