In an exclusive interview with newsmen, Nollywood actress Georgina Ibeh opens up about her love for football, her admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, and her thoughts on Nigerian sportswomen.
Growing up, Ibeh didn’t have much interest in sports, but she has since developed a passion for football. “I like football, it’s something I can watch and not get bored,” she says. “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 doesn’t even know them, but that’s passion, and that’s interesting.”
Ibeh is a self-proclaimed Chelsea fan, thanks to her admiration for former Nigerian international Mikel Obi. “I started to like Chelsea when Mikel Obi was there, I watched their games a lot, and I have been with them since then,” she explains.
When asked about Mikel Obi’s performances in the English Premier League, Ibeh praises his achievements. “I think he was the best Nigerian player in the EPL from all I have seen of him and with his achievements,” she says.
Ibeh’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo is well-known, and she jokingly admits that she can go on a date with him. “Yes, on a platonic level, yes, romantically though, no way,” she clarifies. “I wouldn’t want to have a relationship with a married man.”
Ronaldo’s passion for football and his family-oriented nature are traits that Ibeh admires. “I like how he is passionate about what he does because I am also very passionate about my craft,” she says. “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.”
Ibeh is also proud of Nigerian sportswomen, particularly Tobi Amusan, who has made the country proud with her record-breaking achievements. “She always represents Nigeria so well, and I don’t think it is promoted as it should be,” Ibeh says. “We need this at this time because the country is in a bad state.”
As a fitness enthusiast, Ibeh encourages her children to engage in sports from a young age. “I need them to be fit because I am a fitness enthusiast,” she says. “I need them to make themselves proud and the country proud as well, as best as they can.”
With her enthusiasm for sports and fitness, Ibeh’s children are likely to follow in her footsteps. As for her love for Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s clear that she admires him from afar, but values her principles and morals above all else.