I can go on a date with Ronaldo – Actress, Georgina Ibeh

Nollywood actress, Georgina Ibeh, is popularly known for her appearances in hit series ‘This Life’ and ‘Super Story’. She talks about Nigerian sportswomen, Cristiano Ronaldo and more in this engaging interview with PETER AKINBO

Growing up, did you engage in sports?

Not really, I didn’t have that level of interest in it.

What sports do you watch?

I like football, it’s something I can watch and not get bored. I like the fans support, the way they cheer. I laugh at the way some fans get angry with someone they can’t see face-to-face, who does not even know them but that is passion and that’s interesting.

What team do you support?

I am a Chelsea fan.

Why do you like Chelsea?

I started to like Chelsea when Mikel Obi was there, I watched their games a lot and I have been with them since then.

What do you think of Mikel Obi’s performances when in the EPL?

Well, I think he was the best Nigerian player in the EPL from all I have seen of him and with his achievements.

Is there anyone that catches your eye in football?

Cristiano Ronaldo. I just think he is cute.

Do you think he is the best player we have ever seen?

Yes, I do. I like how he is passionate about what he does because I am also very passionate about my craft. I also like that he shows a lot of love for his family, I care about family, so, I like how he is very family oriented. He is a cool person.

Would you go on a date with Ronaldo?

On a platonic level, yes, romantically though, no way. I wouldn’t want to have a relationship with a married man.

Is there anyone you fancy in the Eagles’ team though?

This guys travel around the world and see different types of women, so, I don’t put my eyes there.

Who is your favourite athlete among Nigerian sportswomen?

I would say all of them, they always overachieve and make the nation proud. However, the one I am always super proud of is Tobi (Amusan), she always represents Nigeria so well, and I don’t think it is promoted as it should be. We need this at this time because the country is in a bad state. And we needed something to cheer us up and let us know that it is all going to be well, and she always does, she claimed the record and brought numerous medals home and gave us that confidence back. She told the world that something good can still come out of Nigeria because we Nigerians are blessed, we just have bad leaders and I believe that will change pretty soon.

We’ve seen how sport unifies the country, would you allow your children participate in sports?

Oh yes, don’t even go there, of course! Honestly, I wouldn’t push them into what they don’t want to do, but from when they are little, they will engage. I need them to be fit because I am a fitness enthusiast. I need them to make themselves proud and the country proud as well, as best as they can. So, yes, from when they are little, I will try and engage them in sports.

With the enthusiasm you’ve shown in encouraging your kids, do you regret not going into sports when you were younger?

Yes, because I really wanted to play football, but I did not know how to. My parents were really strict on us when we were little, so we didn’t really engage with a lot of people, a lot of things. So, maybe I could have loved it but there was no interest in it when I was little.

You mentioned you are a fitness enthusiast. How do you keep fit?

I love going to the gym to keep fit and I will encourage fitness in the family. Health is wealth.