Efetobore Sodje: How Mum made me wear Bandana

Super Eagles nine-cap defender, Efetobore Sodje aka Bandana Man has disclosed the fascinating yet shocking story behind his trademark bandana.
Interestingly, the bandana tale motivated the now famous charity foundation, The Sodje Foundation, which has touched lives of scores of children in Africa and UK.
Over time, footballers have carved different means of identification for themselves. While some stand out with their flashy hairstyles, some others’ tattoos make them unique in the crowd.
But if you think Sodje wears his bandana for these reasons you are wrong, it was not for fancy that he started wearing the headgear 18 years ago.
The Warri-born player has earned cult-figure status for wearing the bandana emblazoned with his personal motto Against All Odds. On and off the pitch, Sodje is rarely without his bandana since his mother told him in 1994 that it would help him ward off evil spirits.
Hear him: “Obviously as Africans, if our parents tell us to do something, you never go against them. So that was why when my mother asked me to wear it, I didn‘t object at all. She actually had a dream and she asked me to wear it. That was 1994 and I have worn it ever since. That is the story of me and my bandana. Everybody now knows me as the Bandana Man. It‘s okay because it has brought me good luck,”
But it has cost him dearly too as he once turned down a position as a local magistrate in England because they would not let him wear his traditional bandana.
You could say he was lucky to be part of Nigeria‘s squad to the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup and he played two of the Eagles three matches at the tournament, as he was playing for lowly Crewe Alexandra in the lower leagues of England when he got an invitation for the trip to Asia.
This factor may have helped him to understand that in life some people are not so lucky, hence his decision to sprout milk of kindness in his native country and UK. 
Sodje's love for his roots in the oil rich creek of Warri-Nigeria made him start a sporting foundation and later his siblings, four of them, also into professional football, to join up with him to form what is now known today as The Sodje Foundation. 
The 39-year-old and his brothers have been helping people in their native country for the last 11 years.
It started with the family taking old football kits home, but they then set up the Sodje Sports Foundation which became an official charity in 2009.
Now the charity is close to having an official sponsor in the national airlines of Nigeria, Arik.
And their work has been recognised by the House Of Lords
The brothers expanded the fundraising last year to build a N60 million sports facility in Nigeria.
They organised a dinner at the Lowry Hotel in September of last year followed by a charity match between The Sodje Foundation and Forever Bury FC at Bury Football Club ground in April 29, 2012.
“l must say that the events, which were put together to raise money for our cause and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital were highly successful”. Sodje stated.
Guests at the fundraising dinner on September 21and that of April 2012 are   Bury FC players, boxer Johnny Nelson, Blackburn striker Jason Roberts, boxing promoter Frank Maloney and Bury boxing star Scott Quigg. footballers Darren Moore, Dean Gordon, Danny Shittu. Rugby aces Martin Offiah and Keith Senior.
Sodje knows how important football boots and kits are children in Nigeria. He said: "You had to look after your football boots as you didn’t know where the next ones would come from. Football boots had to last years and I didn’t get my own pair of boots until I was 20. When I became a professional footballer, I couldn’t believe people stopped using them after a couple of months.
"When we take the kit over every May, it is so rewarding to see the kids’ faces when we give them out as I know how hard it is for them. This is my passion. We have been doing it for the last 11 years and paid for it out of our own pockets but, as the foundation has grown, so has the help we have got from airlines, other charities and people we have met along the way."
Sodje is the ‘face’ of the foundation due to his famous bandana. Besides Efe, there is also Sam, Akpo and Steve who have played football in this country while Bright is an ex-rugby league player and nephew Onome plays football in Slovakia.
Efe added: "We wanted to do something for a Manchester-based charity with me being at Bury. Phil Neville’s mum Jill is secretary at Bury and Phil is patron at the Manchester Children’s Hospital so I went to give out Easter eggs there.
"It was a real eye opener for me. There was an 18 month child with leukemia and it was heartbreaking to see. I was close to tears but I had to be strong because the parents were so strong.
"You see what the kids go through and how they take it in their stride – it just blows you away. It makes our day-to-day moans seem so insignificant."

Mutiu Adepoju opens up: My wife is an Angel from heaven

Living and married to a beautician and cosmetologist for more than two decades may have impacted positively in the style and dressing sense of former Super Eagles workaholic midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, but it is not without order.

Headmaster as Adepoju is fondly called by his fans, due to the excellent use of his head while playing for the Nigeria national teams, informed that his style is not flamboyant. “I like to appear simple,” Mutiu stated and added that he loves to dress up in jeans and T-shirt.  “l love jeans with a passion and same goes for T-Shirt which l wear to make me look trim and sharp. I like to appear smart at all times and jeans and T-Shirt give me that looks. l cannot stand spending a lot of time in front of the mirror, l like something l can put on quickly and yet still look good. In-fact l don’t think l can count the number of jeans or T- shirt is not in my closet”.    
Adepoju, who spent quality playing time in Spain (1989-1997) informed that Spain, one of Europe’s biggest names in fashion and the game of football had an impact on his clothing trend. 
Adepoju left Nigeria in 1989 to join Real Madrid, but never made it past its B side. His first professional season was impressive, as he netted 11 league goals to help Racing de Santander return to the top flight, and he continue to feature and score regularly for the Cantabrians in the next three seasons. He left for Real Sociedad, in 1996–97 but, after a solid first campaign, struggled mightily to hold down a regular place with the Basque team. In 2001–02, he represented Saudi Arabia's Ittihad FC, but quickly returned to Spain, playing an unimpressive season with second level side UD Salamanca.
The biggest force on his wardrobe, Mutiu however admits, is from his wife, Bimpe Adepoju.
“My wife operates a fashion home in Spain for more than 20 years.  Beauty has always been her passion so when we moved to Spain in 1989, she studied cosmetology, and since then she has been into everything related to beauty and fashion. She maintained her fashion place in Spain but recently moved back to Nigeria to open another, which is located in Ibadan. She knows l love jeans and T-shirt so he has influenced my dressing a lot. And l thank her for everything. I met my wife in Lagos in 1989 through a friend that introduced us and right from the first day, l knew this would be a special relationship. She has been there for me all the years, taking care of the children while l am away every weekend playing. She also takes care of business, she is an angel sent by God to me,” Adepoju added.     
While in Spain, how was it?
The experience there was fantastic, the first challenges we faced when we got there was the language barrier, we were like deaf and dump, but after sometimes we adapted and picked the language and Spanish culture. We spent more than 20 years there, But I can tell you that, while in Spain, it was a fantastic experience. We have all our children there. The first born is now 19, and others are 16, 12 and 9 years.               
How are the children doing?
The older ones are still there in Spain schooling, while we have the younger one here with us. They are all going well.
Is anyone among them into sports?
Hmm, yes some who are into sport in their colleges are into basketball, they play basketball actively for their school.

Ikoyi Club Ex-captain, Frank Gboneme admits:Golf has kept me going

Retired from the Nigerian Custom Service in October 2008 after 32 years of meritorious service, Frank Gboneme, who now has big business interest in the Petroleum sector and Freight Forwarding, does not joke with keeping fit and that led him into the ‘gentle man game’ of golf. Golf, he says, has helped him to stay in first-class shape physically and mentally.   The immediate past captain of Ikoyi Club 1938 (Golf Section) shed light on his fitness routine and its benefits. Excerpts:  

At what point did you decide that you must start serious fitness? 

I have been athletic all the while, even from my secondary schools, at the University in the U.S: Alabama A & M University, I got to appreciate and understand more the importance of fitness and keeping fit. Later in life when I started working, my doctor also advised me to serious fitness and exercises and that is why in 1998 I started playing golf. Then I was working with government in the Nigerian Custom Service and even when I retired in 2008 and started my own business I did not stop because you to be fit to do well in business.        

What is your fitness routine like?

I try as much as possible to work out daily before leaving home in the morning. I have a gym at home. I work on the treadmill and use weight for about one hour before going to work. I also play golf at three times in a week. I play on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. On Wednesday I play around the midday, very early on Saturday and midday on Sunday after the church service. However whenever I’m playing golf I don’t use the gym at home. I only use the gym whenever l am not playing golf.

So how fit are you?

I am very fit for my age. I don’t fall sick too often and l can walk 10km every other day. Golf is an all round fitness routine. You can walk at your own pace and if you want to, increase your pace so brisk walking and because a game of golf (18 holes game) last for about four hours by the time you finish a game; you have successfully exercised all your system. If you are not fit you cannot finish a round of golf. So if you can play three rounds a week, you have to be very fit.

What are the other benefits of golf?

Golf has changed my life. Golf is a game of life. Aside from physical benefit, golf also makes you mentally active. It also teaches one important lessons of life. For example, you may play well today and tomorrow play badly. Meaning misfortune is part of our daily life and we cannot be fully prepared for it. That is golf for you. It is also an avenue to meet others in different field of life. You have to play with different kind of people and get to know them better in the course of the game.

How long do you intend to play golf and keep fit?

I intend to do this until death. We have golfers in this club in their 80s and still play the game regularly. We have Papa Kuye and others in their advance age and they are still playing. I cannot stop playing golf and would continue to play golf for as long as l live and keep fit because it is even now that l need it more. Golf is the only sport that other athletes, be it tennis, squash and basketball players retire to. Golfers don’t retire to other sports and that is why it is a sport for all. 
So to answer your question, only death can separate me from golf.

What about your family, do you encourage them to keep fit?

My wife plays golf though not as regularly as l do. And my children are also active in sport. Though they prefer to play tennis, basketball and not golf. 

 

    

Taiwo Ogunjobi Uncensored: My wife is like my twin sister

There is indeed a truism in the saying that ‘behind every successful man, there is woman,’ following the full disclosure by star football administrator, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi that his adorable wife, Chief (Mrs) Bukola Ogunjobi has been his pillar of support all these years!

Theirs is a love story that started from the soccer pitch and was consummated in their passion and love for the round leather game. The relationship has blossomed through the years, making Ogunjobi, one of the finest and experienced soccer administrators in the land.

According to Ogunjobi, who rose from captaining famous club side, Shooting Star of Ibadan, to becoming its chairman, his wife is like ‘the skilful and able defender that held the fort, providing the important cover, whenever he is away.’

The heartthrobs also share unquenchable love for football; something Ogunjobi hinted may have bonded them together like Siamese twins.

“This is quite funny (because nobody has bothered to ask before) but l must say that l met my wife on the football pitch,” Ogunjobi, the erstwhile Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) exclusively told The Nation Sport & Style. “My wife, Bukola, was actually with the National Sport Commission (NSC) in Ibadan when l was doing my National Youth Service (NYSC) in Ibadan as well as playing for Shooting Star of Ibadan.

“Whenever we were playing, the NSC staff would come out to watch us. They were like supporters of the team too and l met my wife during one of our matches. She had watched me play several times and in love with football so that made it easy for us to connect well.

“I met her in 1981 and two years later, we were married. L thank God that l married her because we share that passion for football together and up till tomorrow, my wife still feels serious emotion for football at club and national levels. Any club I’m attached to, she is also attached to. She sleeps football, eats football and drinks football and it is the same for our children. We are a football family.”

After 30 years together, Ogunjobi still remembers vividly some of her qualities that melted his heart: “Her humility, respectfulness and loving nature attracted her to me. She is very humble and loves me as much as l loves her. The way l feel about her is the same way she feels about me. And we understand ourselves very much. She is like my twin sister. “Whenever l am away she copes very well. Even when l moved to Abuja as Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), she coped well and she was always there like a good defender to cover my back whenever I am away. I’m now back in school at the National Institute for Sport (NIS), where l am reading Sports Management and she is still coping well.”

Blessed with five children, Ogunjobi insisted that education comes ahead of sport in order of priority in their lives.

“My children are okay. They are interested in the game but l have to make sure that they take their education very serious too. Two of them just finished their Masters program in London after obtaining their first degree here. They are Ayodeji and Olaoluwa and Lanre is doing his youth service now. Education matters a lot. In this country, you cannot rely on talent alone, because anything can happen along the way while playing. And that is why some of our ex-internationals are just there doing nothing after their careers.”

Ogunjobi may not have particular interest in what is in wardrobes, but he is freak for expensive and designer wristwatches.

“Wristwatch is my thing,” he revealed. “I am in love with expensive wristwatches. I like designer wristwatches so much and in my collection you can only find the very best designers; Locman, Raymond Weil, Haurex, Hugo Boss, Lancaster, Roberto Cavalli, the very best. In term of wears l leave my wife to take care of it. He knows my taste and takes care of what l wear.”

Humble Beginning

I’m a simple man, humble, respectful because l respects the young and old. I’m a simple man to work with, simple in the sense that hardly would you see me fight with anyone. I am a man of peace. I am also a family man, married to Bukola Ogunjobi and we are blessed with five grown up children. I started the game of football from when l was very young. I grew up in Lagos, Idi Oro, and Mushin to be precise and because football was the in thing, l also played it to the fullest. I attended Holy Trinity Primary School, Ebute Ero and moved to Ilesha where l had my secondary school education at African Church Grammar School and after that l went to Ibadan Grammar School for my Higher School Certificate (HSC). In 1973, shortly after the first ever National Sport Festival in Lagos, Coach Kola Taiwo and late Sam Ojebode invited me to join Shooting Stars of Ibadan. At the national level, l played for the Academicals and later the Green Eagles in 1973 and 1974. In 1995 l travelled out to further my studies at Clemson University in the United States of America before returning to the country in 1980.

Though I developed the passion for football from a tender age but the schools l attended also helped. I got scholarship to attend African Church Ilesha because of my prowess in football, same for Ibadan Grammar School where l was offered scholarship to play for the school. While l was there the school won the Principal Cup, which is the highest football honour for secondary schools in the state then. Even at Clemson University, South Carolina l was given football scholarship, so l would say these schools helped in developing and nurturing my interest in football.

Prime FC

First of all, I thank Almighty God for the victory against Kano Pillars for us to emerge as the bronze winner in this year’s Federation Cup. Kano Pillars, for emphasis are winner of the 2012 Premier League so it is not a mean feat for Prime FC of Oshogbo. For the first time in the history of Osun State, this is the first time the state would be presenting a team that won the bronze medal in the Federation Cup. I also want to thank the Governor of The State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for his support. He gave us all we needed and more to do well.

The team would have gained promotion into the Premier League too because we have good players but God knows best. Our players are young and may not be known as such, but they are good and we have been able to boost their confidence, they have come to believe that sky is the limit for them. The technical crew led by Demola Adeshina has done a great job and with hard work and determination, we can follow this up in the coming season so the team can move to the Premier League.

I also want to commend Osogbo Local Government because the team actually belonged to them and the Osun State Football Association, which l am its chairman. The FA is there to give guidance and assistance to all football clubs in the state. We allow the local government to run the affairs of the club the way they want with the support of the state government.

But concerning next season and preparation, just like l told you earlier on, the team is the baby of the Osogbo Local Government and they would decide what to do but on our part; the FA, we can only act in advisory capacity. We don’t have any sole authority on the team but it would also be our pride if they gain promotion next season to the Premier League.

What l have brought into the team is my experience and technical knowhow. The FA supported Prime technically, morally and financially. Financially in the sense that we requested money from the State government and it was approved and given to the FA for the prosecution of the Federation Cup. Technically the football head coach in the FA, Mr Muda was drafted into the team, not to take over but to offer support and morally, we advise the team on dos and don’ts of the tournament. About three of four times, the Osun State’s Referee Association also lectured the players on new rules governing the game and this helped them a lot.

National team then and now

You cannot compare the national team then and now. It is poles apart. There was no money in playing for the country then. We simply have a passion for the game and that is why we play our heart out. But today money is the order of the day. I would count myself lucky because l had good education and that is what has kept me going up till now. Recently the Oyo State Academicals travelled to the U.S and was in my school. When they came back they said they couldn’t believe their eyes seeing my photograph in the University’s Hall of Fame. Segun Odegbami, who organised the trip called me on getting back and said the school still think highly of me.

Shooting Star

When l was in Shooting Star it was ranked the third best team in Africa behind Zamalek and one other team from Cameroon. Shooting Star is one team l love and would continue to love. It is one club that made a lot of stars, including my humble self. I cannot talk about that club without feeling sad. What has happened to it now? Where ever Lekan Salami, Jide Johnson, Thunder Balogun and others that contributed to the greatness of that team are today, they would never be happy that that great club is now relegated to an ordinary club today. Those of us that passed through the club believed that what is happening to Shooting Star is abnormal. I must say that Shooting Star represent the Yoruba race, without sounding any tribal sentiment, while Rangers represent the Igbo race. Raccah Rovers, which transform to Kano Pillars represent Hausa race while Bendel Insurance represent the South South. Where are these teams today? Nowhere! It means something is fundamentally wrong.

So what is wrong?

When it comes to sports, you don’t put sentiment. You allow those that have the technical know how to do it. You don’t put people there because they are your people.....na my brother, omo wa ni e je o se. You put people who know about it there and not people who are incompetent. That is what is happening to these clubs and what is killing our sport. A white man that can do it should be given the opportunity. Football for now is just for social service. The companies that should come and do it well are not doing anything. It is the state that runs it and it is run for social service not for real business purposes.

For example when Super Eagles are not doing well, you see the President of the, minister and Nigerians having nightmare. It is not as if Super Eagles is bringing money to the country but it a pride of the nation.

Back to school

I decided to return to school because l am not happy with the downward trend Nigerian football is experiencing at the moment. I want to update my knowledge and see the possibility of reengineering Nigerian football in the future. And l have to confess that l have learnt a lot of things and updated my knowledge. Our national team coaches should also be encouraged to come here and update their knowledge,” advised Ogunjobi who is fondly called the Ultimate Finisher for the remarkable manner he accomplishes whatever thing he sets his mind to achieve.

Olympian, Udo-Obong speaks on spouse, London Olympics

Olympic Games gold medallist, Enefiok Udo-Obong returned from London 2012 last week with mix feelings. He was feeling quite happy with himself at the same time despondent with Team Nigeria’s dismay outing

His hilarity stems from the fact he was officially admitted into the exclusive club of Olympic games gold holders by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and in extension the whole world, as Nigeria was awarded the 4X 400 Men’s relay gold at Sydney 2000 following United State of America (U.S.A) disqualification. 

Enee, as he is fondly called by friends, also met with some of the finest and brilliant athletes in the world, among them, the world fastest human, Usain Bolt, who became the first athlete to defend the Olympics 100m and 200m titles.

Enee, who was the guest of International Olympics Committee, (IOC) was also in the company of his amiable wife, Uche Isedeh, who he said shared a lot of things with him.

Hear Him: I was in London with my wife Uche. And l must add that we share a lot of things in common. She, unlike many women, likes sports a lot. And l am really glad for that because it is easy for us to connect well. Even when we watch TV set together, we would be watching sports programme. And our children are also developing interest in sports this way. She is very diligent and hardworking and we both like almost the same type of sports. We like watching and discussing sports together. She loves football as much as l do and you need to see us whenever our favourite clubs are playing in the English Premier League. She is a loyal supporter of Liverpool, while l’m a die-hard fan of Arsenal. Notwithstanding we still get along well”.

Speaking on Nigeria’s poor showing at the just concludes games in London, Enee said the perennial problem dogging Nigeria’s sports, that of unpreparedness, again reared its ugly head. “shortly after the games the British Prime Minister announced that government has ear marked a total of 127m Pounds for preparation towards the next Olympics; RIO 2016. Now that’s what I call seriousness. Nigerian officials are still in London shopping and packing their excess baggage. For us to do well we have to take the lessons learnt in London home and begin preparation for 2020 games now. Take China for example, preparation for London Olympics started 10 years and that is where to start for Nigeria too”.

Udo-Obong, who ran the anchor leg of Team Nigeria’s 4x400m relay squad at Sydney Olympics 12 years ago, informed that late Sunday Bada and not him was the hero of the quartet.   

 It was Udo-Obong that Bada handed the baton in that race which has now produced Nigeria’s third Olympic gold after the disqualification of American Antonio Pettigrew for dope.

Udo-Obong said: A lot of our success in Sydney can be attributed to him (Late Sunday Bada). He sacrificed his right to run the anchor leg in the finals despite being the most experienced and natural favourite to do so. He said the overall success of the team was more important than his personal glory. This, he did without complaining or grumbling

His departure is really premature. He had so much dreams and aspirations for Nigerian athletics. Bada was a leader, a brother, a captain, a coach, a friend, a distinguished gentleman.”

Continuing, Enee, who is blessed with three children, says he would not mind them going into sports when they grow up. “They are still little though, but if they are interested in going into sport l don’t mind. I just hope that they would go into a lucrative one too”.

A talented writer, whose work, ‘The Silver Lining’ is world acclaimed may not have special preference for some kind of clothing, but is a powerful dresser by all standards.

Enee noted that he likes to dress to suit occasions. “I wear something that l feel is good for me yet suitable for every occasion. When l have to go for a ball l know l have to dress up in comfortable fitting suit or blazer and l can wear simple shirt and trousers for a casual engagement. I love my local attires too and when occasion calls for it you will hardly know me because l would be in complete local attires,” added Udo-Obong.  

How Blessing Okagbare found God as a teenager

Unknown to many Nigeria’s brightest prospect at the London Olympics, sprinter Blessing Okagbare is a strong believer in God. A born again Christian to be specific. 

Blessing, whose personal best; 10.99 was achieved in London this month, became a woman of faith as a teenager while growing up in Nigeria and says her sojourn in the world of fast track is guided by God.

The Olympic long jump bronze medallist says what she wanted above anything is to glorify God through her track and field.

The US based is Nigeria’s fastest woman and after last week’s gold medal feat in London is considered to be Nigeria’s brightest hope at the Olympics.

Speaking in an inspirational journal by BMS World Mission, Okagbare’s story started from a troubled background that led her to the church where she found succour in the bible and focus in life. She became highly focused as a teenager but never knew she would find greatness in athletics. She took to football for the fun of it playing among teenage boys at school until a teacher who doubles as coach in her school sported her talent and recommended her for the school athletic team.

Her eventual move abroad was another miracle that took her to the U.S where her skill was nurtured to rank among the best in the world.   

Hear her: “I am a woman of faith. I believe there is a God. I believe so much in the Word of God and  knowing him has changed my life. Knowing Jesus makes a lot of difference in my life. I feel that knowing Jesus makes me unique.  Sometimes it means not doing what others do. Like when you have to practice in the morning and people still go to the nightclub until 5am. It doesn’t make sense to me. You have two hours sleep before practice and you can’t gain anything. For me to do that is a sin before God. So I try to stay away from the things that are against the will of God.  Because I have the fear of God in me, I try not to do something where I know, if I do it, God is not going to be happy”. 

A firm believer in prayer, she added, “It is a moment when you communicate with God and you seek for solutions, guidance, comfort; seek things you want. Sometimes I don’t super-pray; I just praise him and sing praises. Those times of prayer and praise draw me closer to God. They help me get answers from God. Jesus showed love to people and he was a meek person but Satan could never defeat him. So as a Christian you don’t have to be weak. Sometimes we need some toughness. I can’t be weak when I go to compete.  When you run and are victorious, you praise God for that. And when you run drug-free then you are pleasing God”.

Okagbare, who will be leading Nigeria’s quest for gold in the 100, 200m, long jump and 1X400m speaks more her bronze medal feat in Beijing 2008 and aspiration for London 2012.   

How did you get involved in athletics?

At first I played football for my high school and later fell in love with athletics. A teacher from my elder sister's high school talked me into doing sport. At first I was just messing around with it, just doing it for fun. I was not serious about it but I was young then.

Why did you end up in the U.S.A?

It was one of the best things that ever happened to me. If I had stayed in Nigeria, the talent I have would not have developed: I would not be as good as I am now. When I left Nigeria, it brought out the best in me. God took me out of Nigeria to USA and I was so excited about it.

What are your memories of the 2008 Olympics?

I went with high expectations because I was jumping well before the Olympics. My goal was to jump a personal best in Beijing. I was ready for it but when I got there I was so nervous. I lost the whole rhythm and, before I knew it, the game was over. And I didn’t qualify for the final. I felt really bad because my coach was expecting so much from me, and even my country, but you can’t change what has happened.

But something changed and I was told I was in the final after all. [Blessing finished 13th but it was then announced that one of the 12 qualifiers, Lyudmyla Blonska, had tested positive for a banned substance. Blonska was disqualified with Blessing taking her place in the final.

 When I got the call it was like, “this is unheard of”. You didn’t make the final and yet you just got in the final somehow. And I thought: something is going to happen. God has something special for me out there. I was saying: “OK, I just got into the final!” I got to take my chance and whatever happens, I have got to do my best.  So I gave it a shot and I got a bronze medal and it was phenomenal.

What are your thoughts on the 2012 Olympics?

I am planning to be there! In 2011, I was not expecting too much – I was pleased to run as I did but it was really about preparation for 2012. I am maybe aiming to run the 100 and the 200 metres. Maybe I won’t be jumping.

You already have an Olympic medal: isn’t that enough?

No. I have a bronze and I am trying to see if I can step up to a gold. With two events I have two chances. Everybody goes to the Olympics to fight for medals. That is what I am going to do. I am not going there to play and watch people. I am going to prepare myself really well. I pray that I stay free from injuries and I hope to do great. I am really looking forward to it.

Sport & Stile : TIJANI BABANGIDA SPEAKS: Family Comes Ahead of Eve...

Sport & Stile : TIJANI BABANGIDA SPEAKS: Family Comes Ahead of Eve...:       With active playing career spanning over one decade and across three continents; Africa, Europe and Asia, the style and tast...

FUNKE OSHONAIKE-IRABOR: My husband, my biggest fan

 

 

Veteran table tennis star, Funke Oshonaike-Irabor may have suffered a shocking exit from the ongoing London Olympic Games, but the mother of two has revealed that her husband’s love and support gave her the confidence and determination to attend yet another Olympics.

The African queen, who has six Africa games gold medals in her kitty, disclosed that her husband of seven years convinced her to continue in the ping pong game after putting to bed a second time.     

The London games was not really palatable for Funke, as she was knocked out on Day One of the games by Wenling Tan of Italy after winning beating Neda Shahsavari 4-3 in the preliminary.

Hear her; “My husband is my greatest fan and he is always encouraging me. In the run to the Olympic Games in London, he encouraged me to return to training after l put to bed our second baby. He loves me so much and because he understands my love for table tennis, he wants me to continue to play the game. I might probably hang my racquet (bat) after the Olympics but it also depends on my husband because he really loves me playing the game”.   

Oshonaike-Irabor, who lives in Hamburg, Germany with her husband and two children, happily recalled how she fell in love with her husband at first sight. “You won’t believe it but my husband gets me so easy. You know what; l likes men that are down to earth. You don’t have to pose to win a ladies heart. I remember the first time we met, he was speaking pidgin. I was in my sister’s shop in Germany and he just came inside and went to my sister and said to her: I like your sister now, wetin dey happen dis girl don win my heart and that was it because l just looked at him and smiled. After three months, I was pregnant for him. Thank God we are still very much together in love because we are getting to love ourselves more each passing day.” 

Through her husband’s support and love, the youthful looking player, who won four gold medals at the 2003 All Africa games in Abuja, Nigeria, noted that she has been able to know the true meaning of love.

“He (my husband) is the reason why I am waxing stronger in the game because he did not ask me to replace my love for table tennis for him. He taught me how to multiply my love for table tennis and my family. I think my husband met me playing the game and l think the most important thing is love. He loves me so much and knows that l love table tennis so much. He has never for once; since we got married, attempt to stop me from playing the game. He appreciates what l do and would always be by my side when l am playing to give his support. I have a very good family and l am very proud of my Family. Believe it or not, l don't want to be in any other family than this and l thank God for that. I have a loving husband that can die for me and two wonderful boys that make me happy each passing day. I am happy and very satisfy,” added Funke.

How is life in Hamburg?

Life is Hamburg is good. I have my children there and we doing fine to God’s glory.

What is the most memorable tournament you have been to?

The most memorable one surely is the Africa games in Abuja where I won four gold medals for Nigeria. That was really great. Then the most disappointing one is the Africa games in Algeria in 2007. Then, l just gave birth to my second child and l had a disappointing outing in spite of the fact that l managed to win two gold medals. We were all together in the Games Village and it was not so conducive. I had to wake up at night to take care of him so every time l go to the hall I’m always very tired so like l said, l wanted more but that two medals was okay. So the baby was like a distraction.

What did the future holds for the game in Nigeria?

For the women, l think there are lots of up and coming players but the only thing they are lacking is exposure. They are a bit inexperienced such that they are doing it their own way. They need coaches that will guide them because the way they are playing here is not the same way they are playing abroad. There’s scientific approach to the game. We equally need better facilities. The tables we are using here is a bit slow to the ones that are used in international competitions. Our girls are coming up but they still have more to learn. Government must equally support the game. We used to get as much as seven gold medals but other countries particularly the North Africans are closing on us.            

         

TIJANI BABANGIDA SPEAKS: Family Comes Ahead of Everything

 

 

 

With active playing career spanning over one decade and across three continents; Africa, Europe and Asia, the style and taste of ex-Super Eagle wing star Tijani Babangida is simple yet classy.

Speaking with Sport & Stile recently, Babangida, who retired from active play in 2004, takes delight in dressing simply and stylish. “What i wear is defined by where i am, the weather and other things. I wear what is comfortable but good. I must feel good and comfortable with what i put on and that is what style mean to me. For instance i cannot say i am a Jeans freak but i do wear jeans a lot when i am abroad, that is outside Nigeria. And this choice is defined by the fact that the weather here is hot but cooler in Europe,” explained Babangida, who shuttles between Amsterdam (where his family resides) and Kaduna in the northern part of the country, where he has big business interest.

The current chairman of FC Taraba said he rarely wears jeans or other thick fabrics while in the temperate climate of Nigeria. “Here i like to wear more of shorts or less thick fabric and if you see me anytime i am home in Nigeria, you will always see me in shorts and shirts. My environment defines my style”

Babandiga, who spent eight productive years with the Nigeria national teams from 1994 to 2002,  the 1996 Olympic gold, the highpoint of it all, however has a penchant for sunglasses. “i love wearing sun shades. Though i don’t have a particular designer, i go for what suits me and don’t think if there is a fashion accessory i can’t be caught without, it is a sunglass. I have bought so many that i have lost count of.”

For the former Ajax Amsterdam wing wizard, his attraction to sophisticated, rugged and fast wonders on wheels is outstanding and defines the automobiles in his garages, home and abroad.      

 “i love benz (Mercedes Benz) cars with a passion. Must say i have a soft spot for it not because it is cool but also rugged and fast. It is a brand for all weather. At home and abroad i have benz brands that i find irresistible and always handy”.

TJ, as Babangida is fondly called by friends and fans is particularly fond of one of his latest acquisitions; the Mercedes Benz CLS 500. “it is a classy car that i love to drive”, he said simply.       

According to Netcarshow.com, Mercedes Benz CLS 500 is worth £80,645 (about N12million) and has “A classic 7-speed, 7G-TRONIC automatic gearbox. On the road very little unsettled the ‘CLS’ in the default comfort mode (there are three settings), it simply wafted along taking everything in its stride. Should you wish to remove your chauffeur and drive yourself there are two sports modes which alter the suspension setup. In the first sports position the stiffer suspension and shock absorber settings are activated a little earlier than in the comfort mode. In the second position there is no delay in the activation, lowering the car by 15 mm all round. It is surprising how composed the CLS is through the most demanding of bends. Even on our favourite ‘B’ road you can have a lot of fun without any compromise. The speed sensitive steering is well-weighted and gives just about the right amount of feedback for such a large car.  All of this makes the CLS more of a capable grand tourer than an out and out sports car, but if it is refinement you desire then few cars do it better.”

 Aside from Mercedes Benz, Babangida added that other brands in his garage are BMW and Jeep, which he acquired out of his sentiments for severity and class.

Grand as his material acquisitions are, Babangida said his family comes first in his scale of preference. “I love my family and they come first to me. Material acquisition only makes life comfortable for us, but the thing that comes above all of them is family and i love my wife and son”.

Born into a large family in the city of Kaduna, he is married to Rabah, the sister of Daniel Amokachi's wife. “My son Ameh is fast taking after me. At his age he’s playing football quite well and should he continue that way, would be a bigger star than his father one day. They are the best thing in my life,” submitted Babangida.