Nollywood Actress Yvonne Jegede Shares Insights on Sports, MMA, and More
Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede recently opened up about her passion for sports, her admiration for athletes, and her views on the Nigerian sporting landscape in a candid interview. From her childhood interests to her support for national teams, she shared a range of perspectives that reflect her deep connection with the world of sports.
When asked how she relaxes outside of her acting career, Yvonne said, “I just go home and spend some time with my family, especially my son.” This highlights her commitment to balancing professional success with personal life, emphasizing the importance of family.
Growing up, Yvonne was not particularly drawn to sports. She mentioned, “I was never really a sports person. I never played sports, apart from when I was being rebellious, and then I used to play basketball in school, because we were told not to play basketball.” Her interest in basketball came from a desire to defy expectations and enjoy a game that didn’t require too much physical exertion. “I was a tomboy back then, and it was the only sport that I could play without having to run around too much and get tired,” she explained.
Despite not being a standout athlete, Yvonne found joy in the game. “I wasn’t good at basketball, but it was just a lot of fun to have back then, especially since we were being rebellious.” This sentiment reveals her appreciation for sports as a form of entertainment rather than competition.
Yvonne expressed pride in the performance of the Super Falcons during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). While she couldn’t watch all the matches due to her busy schedule, she followed their journey on social media. “I was impressed with the Falcons, really, they did very well, it was very impressive,” she said. She also praised the D’Tigress for their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, noting the significance of having a female coach, Rena Wakama. “I just really like what the women are doing this year. I am very impressed with them.”
She emphasized the need for better support for Nigerian athletes, stating, “The Federations need to let the money go around. I know there’s money in the sports industry, but they should make it go round.” Yvonne believes that those who play the games deserve recognition and proper resources.
When it comes to her favorite sportsperson, Yvonne named Kobe Bryant, saying, “My favourite sportsperson, I would say, is Kobe Bryant because I’m a big fan of basketball.” She admires the grace and style of the game, which she finds more appealing than football.
Yvonne also shared her admiration for MMA star Israel Adesanya, though she clarified, “I am not really a fan of combat sports, but it was just a moment for me.” She acknowledged his achievements and how he has brought pride to Nigeria. “He really made Nigerians proud, and I could not help but express my happiness.”
Although she doesn’t follow combat sports regularly, Yvonne admitted, “Only if he wins again will I feel the same way again.” Her support for Adesanya stems from national pride rather than a love for the sport itself.
If given the chance to pursue a career in basketball, Yvonne said, “Yeah, I would have. I might just have been the shortest person who will play it very well because there’s nothing I do that I’m not good at.” This statement reflects her confidence and versatility.
Her favorite basketball team is the Los Angeles Lakers, a choice rooted in her admiration for Kobe Bryant. “Of course they do [have a chance to win the NBA championship]. They believe in themselves, and they can beat any team.” She added, “Any team they are facing, I would be by their side, and there’s no way they can lose with me there with them.”
In Nigeria, Yvonne’s favorite sport is football, and her favorite team is Enyimba. “Enyimba is the biggest Nigerian team. If you ask me, it is the most popular,” she said. She also expressed support for the Super Falcons, highlighting her belief in the strength of Nigerian women’s football.
Finally, Yvonne encouraged parents to support their children’s interests in sports. “Yes, why not? Gone are those days when parents would say, ‘If you’re not a pharmacist or a doctor or a lawyer, you are not going to make it in life.’ Even these days, you hear people telling you, even if your son likes to paint, get brushes and encourage him.” She sees this as a positive shift in societal attitudes toward diverse career paths.