Esther Igbekele, a renowned gospel musician, reveals a passionate side beyond the melody and rhythm of her music – a profound love for sports, particularly football. Her affinity for the game isn’t merely passive spectatorship; it’s rooted in her own experiences as a young, aspiring athlete. During her school years, Igbekele donned the gloves as a goalkeeper, representing her school in various competitions and eventually earning the title of Games Prefect. This early immersion in the world of sports instilled in her a deep appreciation for the dynamism and universal appeal of football, a sport she considers the most entertaining and widely watched globally. Her role as goalkeeper wasn’t accidental; it was a testament to her inherent drive to tackle challenges head-on, a trait complemented by her lightweight physique, which made her agile and well-suited for the position. This tenacity and determination, evident even in her youth, foreshadowed her future success in the demanding world of music.
The passion for sports runs deep in the Igbekele family, extending to her children who share their mother’s enthusiasm for football. However, the current state of Nigeria’s sporting system casts a shadow over their potential pursuit of professional careers in the field. Igbekele acknowledges the systemic challenges and emphasizes the importance of her children’s own volition in choosing their paths. Her role, as she sees it, is to provide unwavering guidance and support, nurturing their talents and aspirations while remaining mindful of the realities of the Nigerian sporting landscape. While she harbours a plethora of unfulfilled sporting dreams, one stands out: experiencing the electric atmosphere of Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium. This desire transcends mere fandom; it’s a personal pilgrimage to the heart of a club she deeply admires, a testament to her unwavering loyalty.
Igbekele’s allegiance to FC Barcelona isn’t a fleeting fancy; it’s a deeply ingrained loyalty that solidified in 2006 when the Catalan giants clinched the UEFA Champions League title against Arsenal. The victory was not just a sporting spectacle for her; it was a personal triumph, punctuated by a playful wager with her children, a memory etched forever in her mind. This unwavering dedication to Barcelona remains unshakeable, impervious to the ebb and flow of the footballing world. At the heart of this devotion lies an admiration for the unparalleled talent of Lionel Messi, whom Igbekele considers her favourite sportsperson. Messi’s departure from Barcelona was a poignant moment for her, a bittersweet acknowledgement of a legend’s changing course. While rumours of a potential return swirl, Igbekele believes that Messi’s legacy at the club is secure and a return as a player, given his age, might not be the most fitting epilogue to his illustrious career. The emergence of young talents like Lamine Yamal offers a glimmer of hope and a potential filling of the void left by Messi’s departure.
Shifting her focus to the Nigerian sporting scene, Igbekele identifies Jay-Jay Okocha and Anthony Joshua as two of the nation’s most exceptional athletes, past and present. Okocha’s mesmerizing skills and captivating flair on the field transcended mere football; it was pure entertainment, captivating Igbekele and solidifying her love for the beautiful game. While Joshua represents Great Britain, Igbekele views him as a Nigerian at heart, acknowledging his connection to his ancestral roots. Despite not representing Nigeria officially, Joshua’s success resonates deeply with her, a testament to the transnational nature of sporting pride. Despite her deep involvement in the sporting world, Igbekele admits to not having personally met any Nigerian sports stars, attributing it to a lack of intentional pursuit rather than disinterest. Her wish list of athletes she hopes to encounter includes the likes of Jay-Jay Okocha, Asisat Oshoala, Anthony Joshua, Victor Osimhen, and even Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, highlighting her admiration for both Nigerian and international football stars.
The recent successes of Nigerian women in sports, particularly Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume, and Asisat Oshoala, hold a special significance for Igbekele. Their achievements serve as a powerful source of inspiration, not just for young girls but for women of all ages. Igbekele herself finds motivation in their stories, recognizing the strength and resilience these women embody. She emphasizes the importance of using these female athletes as role models, showcasing their journeys as a testament to the power of dreams and the potential for success in a male-dominated field. Igbekele advocates for encouraging physical activity among young girls, emphasizing the importance of sports in fostering both physical and mental well-being. These female sports stars, she believes, are beacons of hope, inspiring a generation of young women to pursue their aspirations with unwavering determination.
In conclusion, Esther Igbekele’s love for sports, particularly football, is a multifaceted passion woven into the fabric of her life. From her childhood experiences as a goalkeeper to her unwavering support for FC Barcelona, sports have shaped her perspective and ignited a lifelong fascination. Her admiration for sporting icons, both international and Nigerian, underscores her appreciation for talent and dedication. She recognizes the transformative power of sports, particularly for young girls, and champions the achievements of Nigerian female athletes as a source of inspiration and empowerment. Igbekele’s passion for sports isn’t just a hobby; it’s a testament to the unifying power of athleticism, a belief in the potential of dreams, and a celebration of human resilience and achievement.
