Nothing will change my love for Barcelona – Esther Igbekele

Gospel musician Esther Igbekele opens up about her love for FC Barcelona, her wish list for Nigerian sports stars and more in this interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE

What is your attraction to sports and how long has it been?

I did play football as a kid and that was when I was in school. I was a goalkeeper then and I even represented my school in some competitions. At one point, I was named the Games Prefect. For me the number one sport in the world is football. It is the most-watched and the most entertaining sport.

Aside from playing football, what were the qualities you exhibited then that made you the school’s choice?

It’s just nature. I’ve always had a knack for completing tough tasks and I was a lightweight in school then which made it easier.

Are your children also tilting towards choosing a career in sports? How do you hope to support their journey?

They are football lovers also but I don’t think it’s something they want to do professionally because the country’s sporting system isn’t much encouraging. The decision is not mine to take, it’s theirs and the first support I would give them is guidance. I will be ready to give them all the support.

As someone who was involved in sports while in school, are there any bucket lists you still wish to tick in the realm?

I think there are so many of them that I would not be able to finish listing. But there is one that I really want to fulfil and it’s definitely going to be a great feeling to be present at the (Spotify Camp Nou) for any reason and that’s one of the things I’ve always wanted to do as a fan of Barcelona FC.

How long have you been a Barcelona fan and is anything ever going to change your choice of club?

Barcelona is still my favourite football team to watch. I can say for a fact that I’ve been a religious follower of Barcelona since they lifted the most coveted trophy in club football in 2006 (UCL final 2006 v Arsenal). I remember I even had a bet with my children, with their pocket money, just for fun. Eventually, I won. So, I can never forget that day and I don’t think anything will change the attraction I have towards the club.

Who is your favourite sportsperson?

It definitely has to be Lionel Messi.

How did you feel when Messi eventually left Barcelona and do you see him coming back like it’s being insinuated lately?

I felt very bad following the announcement of Messi leaving the club and to be honest he’s already a legend of the club and the game of football in general so I don’t think it’s ideal for him to come back to the club as a “player” due to his age. Apparently, the emergence of Lamine Yamal has filled some of the void Messi left in the team.

Which Nigerian sports stars, past or present do you consider as the best the country has ever produced?

Jay-Jay Okocha in the past and Anthony Joshua presently. Those are two Nigerian sportsmen I rate highly. I used to like football but Okocha even made me love it more with his skills and tricks. Watching him display those skills at the club level especially was entertaining. Aside from the drama of watching a football game, he gives you premium entertainment that will make you want him to have the ball at all times. For Joshua, I know he is British but I see him more as a Nigerian and he identifies with us, except for the fact that he didn’t represent Nigeria. It doesn’t change anything to me though.

So, have you ever met a Nigerian sports star, either past or present?

Honestly, no. Maybe I haven’t been intentional about that but I haven’t met any of them.

Who are the ones you still wish to meet?

It’s going to be a much more delightful experience for me if I should come across someone like Jay-Jay Okocha, Asisat Oshoala, Anthony Joshua, Victor Osimhen and even Busayo Saka of Arsenal.

Nigerian women have made a lot of breakthroughs in sports recently. Particularly, Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume, Asisat Oshoala and others. How do you think feats like theirs can be used to inspire the girl-child?

As old as I am, the likes of Amusan, Oshoala and other female stars still motivate me. These are strong women that every girl-child must be shown how they inspire the fulfilment of dreams. Every girl-child must be encouraged to be physical in today’s world and sports are the best way to keep the body and soul together whereby female celebrities like you mentioned can be used as great positive role models.