From wanting to play football to studying law and eventually becoming an entertainer, skit‑maker and actor, Oluwatosin Ogunleye—popularly known as Bro Bouche—talks about his love for his favourite team despite the odds in this interview with Abiodun Adebayo.
**Your real identity is hardly known. Who is Bro Bouche?**
My full name is Ogunleye Oluwatosin Temitope Alabi Promise Paul Alabi. I am from Ado‑Ekiti, Ekiti State, but I was born in Ondo State and grew up in Ondo town. I attended Adeyemi College of Education Demonstration Secondary School and later studied Law at Obafemi Awolowo University.
**How was growing up and were you involved in sporting activities?**
Growing up was fun; I had nothing to worry about, so I played like any normal kid and I still play to this day. Football was a big part of my childhood—I was on every street in Ondo town where a game was happening, much to my mother’s headache over my injuries. I once wanted to join the Pepsi Football Academy, but my parents opposed it. The academy was based in Akure and occasionally held trials in Ondo town. I sneaked into those trials, but when it came time to travel to Akure, it was impossible for me to go because I was still sneaking out to play locally.
**How good were you as a footballer?**
I started on the wings before switching to midfield. I was decent, but not the player everyone waited for; there were many talented teammates. One standout was Apiaka, who was exceptionally good. I was a solid, reliable player who often made the best team. Few of my friends turned professional—Apiaka is now in the Navy, and another friend we called Aguero now plays for a Division Two club in Spain.
**Which team do you support?**
I am an Arsenal fan and very proud of my team. There is no cause for alarm in our current situation; the title race is tight between Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United. This is the best season we’ve had in ten years, and I’m excited that we are back in the Champions League after a seven‑year absence. At the start of the season we didn’t expect to top the table, but it happened and we are embracing it, taking it one game at a time. I discovered Arsenal in 2004 thanks to my dad, who admired Thierry Henry. I mistakenly thought Arsène Wenger owned the club because of his name, and I began supporting them seriously in 2006.
**What have been your low moments as an Arsenal fan?**
One of the toughest was losing the Europa League final to Chelsea, especially after Olivier Giroud—an ex‑Arsenal forward—scored against us. I also recall the 2006 Champions League final against Barcelona; we were so close, which made the defeat even more painful. Those games reinforced the belief that we could never win the Champions League. In seasons when we hoped to progress, we were often drawn against giants like Bayern Munich and Barcelona, adding to the frustration.
**How optimistic are you about Arsenal’s EPL title challenge?**
I’m about 70 percent sure Arsenal can win the title this season, though I won’t be disappointed if we fall short. Trust me, Mikel Arteta is trying. We haven’t played like this in a long time, and qualifying for the Champions League will help us attract higher‑quality players.
**What about the national teams?**
I support the national teams, but not as passionately as Arsenal. I watch their games and, even when I’m angry, I still follow the Super Eagles. Unfortunately, we failed to qualify for the World Cup and performed poorly at the Nations Cup. Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, currently on loan at Reims, would be a perfect fit for the Eagles, especially alongside Victor Osimhen, who is arguably the world’s most in‑form striker.
**Did you ever watch or support Sunshine Stars FC of Akure?**
I watched Sunshine Stars occasionally while in Ondo. Our school sometimes took us to matches, and I would visit friends in Akure and sneak into the stadium. We watched simply for the love of the game, not because we knew the players or the season’s stakes, but it fueled my passion for football and made me feel like I was on the pitch.
**You studied Law—how did you begin acting and making skits?**
Acting has been part of my life since my second year of university, where I gained popularity. By my final year I was serious about movies and began traveling to Lagos for auditions. I appeared in “Jennifer’s Diary,” “Industreet,” and shuttled between Ife and Lagos. My skit‑making partnership with MC Lively (Barrister Mike) dates back to school; we have been close friends for about 13 years.
**If you were to pick a team of 11 entertainers, who would be in it?**
Goalkeeper: Wallington Pro (filmmaker)
Centre‑backs: MC Lively and Ayenana
Right‑back: Officer Woos
Left‑back: Mkido
Defensive midfield: myself
Attacking midfield (number 10): Jimmy the Entertainer
Wingers: Dike (right) and Yhemolee (left)
Striker (number 9): Shank Comics
Supporting striker: Sexy Steel
Coach: Ozo’s manager, Amamdi
With that lineup, I’m confident we could beat any private university team.
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