Angela Eguavoen: A Nollywood Actress with a Passion for Sports
Nollywood actress Angela Eguavoen, in a recent interview, revealed her deep-seated love for sports, particularly swimming, which she actively participated in during her school days. She recounted her fond memories of inter-house sports competitions, where she engaged in various activities, although swimming remained her forte. Eguavoen’s passion for swimming stemmed from the holistic nature of the sport, engaging every part of the body. Even today, swimming remains her preferred physical activity, supplemented by regular walks and jump rope exercises, which she encourages others to adopt for their health benefits. While her parents never discouraged her sporting pursuits, they also supported her foray into cultural activities, paving the way for her acting career. This multifaceted background has shaped her into a well-rounded individual with a diverse range of interests.
Eguavoen’s interest in other sports, particularly football, has been kindled by her partner, a keen football enthusiast. She has developed a fondness for the sport, enjoying watching matches and even developing her own preferences for players. Among her favorites are global icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Brazilian star Neymar holds a special place in her heart, admired for his skill, good looks, and exceptional talent. Eguavoen also follows the Nigerian Super Eagles, with Victor Osimhen being her favorite player in the national team. She acknowledges Osimhen’s remarkable performance in Europe but expresses doubt about his ability to single-handedly carry the team to victory. Nevertheless, she expresses pride in any Nigerian who achieves international recognition, regardless of their field, be it sports, entertainment, or music, as she believes their individual triumphs are a collective win for the nation.
Eguavoen’s patriotism shines through in her reactions to the Super Eagles’ performance. Their failure to win the 2023 AFCON tournament left her heartbroken, although she admits to tempering her expectations to avoid disappointment. She maintains a hopeful outlook for future tournaments, impressed by the current talent pool and believing in the nation’s potential to achieve greatness. She draws parallels with the booming Nigerian music industry, envisioning similar global success for Nigerian football. Eguavoen is convinced that with adequate support and resources, Nigerian sports, particularly football, could achieve international dominance.
Turning her attention to the development of sports in Nigeria, Eguavoen believes that the government’s lack of focus on proper training is a major impediment. She commends the aesthetic appeal of the national team jerseys, suggesting that similar effort and investment should be directed towards improving training facilities, player remuneration, and health insurance. She is convinced that providing a conducive environment and adequate welfare for athletes would significantly enhance their performance. Eguavoen extends her support to the Super Falcons, expressing immense pride in their accomplishments and her belief in their potential to excel in the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, provided they receive the necessary support. Her all-time favorite Nigerian footballer is Mikel Obi, whose influence even extended to her club allegiance, leading her to support Chelsea.
The interview also addressed a recurring question regarding Eguavoen’s surname, which she shares with former Super Eagles captain and coach, Austin Eguavoen. While they hail from the same state, thereby raising the possibility of a familial connection, Eguavoen confirms that they are not related to her knowledge. Though not a keen follower of football during Austin Eguavoen’s playing days, she maintains a cordial online relationship with him, following each other on social media platforms. The shared surname has become a familiar conversation starter, and she handles the inquiries with grace and humor.
Finally, Eguavoen expressed her unwavering support for any of her future children who might choose to pursue a career in sports. Recognizing the lucrative nature of the industry and the global exposure it offers, she views sports as a viable and rewarding career path. She appreciates the opportunities that sports provide and acknowledges its potential to secure one’s future. Her love for sports and her belief in its transformative power are evident in her enthusiastic endorsement of her children’s potential involvement in the field. She affirms her commitment to supporting their aspirations, should they choose to follow their passion for sports. This statement underscores her deep-rooted passion for sports and her belief in its ability to empower individuals and open doors to a world of opportunities.
