Gbenga Adeyinka, a renowned comedian and sports enthusiast, has shared his passion for Nigerian sports and Arsenal Football Club in an exclusive interview. Adeyinka, who anchors the GOTv Boxing Night, expressed his love for sports, citing a combination of passion and his brand as the driving force behind his involvement.
“I played football and volleyball, and I’ve always been a lover of sports all my life,” Adeyinka said. “I anchor the GOTv Boxing Night, and I dare say I’m very much interested in sports and sports development.”
Adeyinka’s interest in boxing dates back to the Muhammad Ali era, and he believes that more needs to be done to improve the sport in Nigeria.
“I think a lot more needs to be done with the art of boxing,” he said. “More insurance and more improvement in the protectiveness of the glove are necessary.”
Regarding Nigeria’s journey in boxing, Adeyinka said it’s a case of “rise, fall, and rise again.”
“We need the private sector to invest in boxing,” he emphasized. “Governments should provide the enabling environment by building facilities, and we need more people to come and see it as a business.”
Gbenga Adeyinka also praised Remi Aboderin for his contributions to boxing and commended Kunle Soname of Remo Stars for his efforts in developing sports infrastructure.
“I went to watch a game at the Remo Stars Stadium, and I was blown away,” he said. “The facility is beautiful, and anybody interested in sports development needs to go and understudy Mr. Soname.”
Reflecting on his experience at the National Stadium, Adeyinka shared a harrowing story about a stampede that occurred during an FA Cup semi-final match in 1979.
“It was a terrifying experience,” he said. “I was selling meat pies and drinks to the fans, and my grandmother thought I had died in the stampede.”
Adeyinka believes that taking football away from the National Stadium was a disservice to sports development in Nigeria.
“The average Nigerian is a pessimist, but once the team is playing, he becomes an optimist,” he said. “We need to bring football back to the National Stadium, it’s the Eagles’ home.”
On the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Adeyinka expressed his confidence.
“I believe in the Nigerian spirit, we can qualify,” he said. “I told William Troost-Ekong that I believe in the team, and I stand by that.”
As an Arsenal fan, Adeyinka is optimistic about the team’s chances against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
“Anybody can beat anybody,” he said. “We can nick it, but if we don’t, we’ll be back next season.”
Adeyinka’s experience at the Emirates Stadium has been impressive, with Arsenal winning all 14 games he’s attended.
“I think I’m Arsenal’s lucky charm,” he joked. “If I were the management, I’d buy me a season ticket for all competitions.”
In conclusion, Gbenga Adeyinka’s passion for sports is evident in his words and actions. His love for Nigerian sports and Arsenal Football Club is inspiring, and his insights on sports development in Nigeria are valuable.