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Veteran Nollywood actress Shan George shares her knowledge of Nigerian sports and her allegiance to Manchester United in this interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE
hat sparked your interest in sports, and which sports did you participate in growing up?
I’ve been a lover of sports since my primary and secondary school days. As much as I was more of a bookworm in those days, I still played volleyball, and I did well.
Did you ever consider a professional career in sports before venturing into Nollywood?
Not at all. It wasn’t even in the picture. Before venturing into Nollywood, I was already leaving the university, and I wasn’t partaking in any sports. I attended most school sports events, but I didn’t partake in any. It was just academics and then Nollywood after I left school. I’ve also shared how my acting career started as well, because I never thought I would become an actress too. When I was growing up, I wanted to be a lawyer, but I ended up studying mass communication, and from there I started getting roles in movies.
So, which is your favourite sports team?
I am a Manchester United fan for life, regardless of the situation. I used to be a Liverpool fan though, but United won my heart along the line.
What inspired your switch from Liverpool to Manchester United?
Liverpool were my honeypie, but some years ago in the UK, I placed a £50 bet on Liverpool, and it was my last £50. I sat there during the game watching Manchester United feast goals on Liverpool and my £50 flying away like I didn’t work so hard for it. Since then, I’ve been a Manchester United fan; those guys mesmerised me that day.
Who is your favourite athlete of all time and why?
I don’t have one because I have a top 5, and they are all Nigerians. Former Super Eagles star Segun Odegbami is among them, as is 1996 Olympic gold medallist Chioma Ajunwa, who won Nigeria’s first ever and still only individual gold at the Olympics. I also like Austin Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and Mikel Obi.
How do you balance your love for sports with your tight schedule in the entertainment industry?
Well, since entertainment is my job and what puts food on my table, I put more time there. Luckily, sports is also part of the entertainment industry, so there’s always time for it too.
Which Nigerian footballer, past or present, do you admire most, and why?
That would be Okocha, and I think it’s because we were neighbours for so many years in Opebi, Ikeja. I had a good rapport with his beautiful wife; we went to the same nail salon at GRA Ikeja. So, I’ll say that’s why.
What are your fondest memories of watching Nigerian football teams or athletes at major competitions?
The fondest memories would be when some of us Nollywood actors went to the South Africa 2010 World Cup as official Nigerian football team supporters. Watching the Nigeria team play live in a World Cup was awesome. Besides, for my kind of work, we get invited to a lot of events, including sports events. It’s always fun. Though I’ve not attended any since the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m looking forward to one soon.
How do you think sports can empower Nigerian youths, especially young women?
Nigerian youths are very agile and active; the government needs to do more, mostly from the government primary and secondary school levels. These days there are hardly any teachers in school, not to mention sports. I’m not about to go into the government’s neglect of sports, and in fact, many other areas of activities in Nigeria. They are not trying at all, in my opinion.
So how do you keep fit?
I engage in dancing, aerobics, and going to the gym sometimes. Although my job is tedious enough to shake the bones. So, most times, moving from one location to another to get my job done is enough to keep me
fit.
