Eku Edewor, a British‑Nigerian actress, TV presenter and model, discusses her passion for sports, racism and more in an interview with Anthony Nlebem.
She was active in sports throughout primary and secondary school, holding the 100‑metre indoor record and the long‑jump record at her secondary school, and playing football for her school team in England.
When asked whether she regrets not pursuing a career in sports, Edewor says she has no regrets. She feels she lacks the discipline required of an athlete; the demanding training and physical strain did not suit her, despite her sister’s encouragement.
The athlete she admires most is world champion Tobi Amusan. Edewor is impressed by Amusan’s continual improvement and her ability to compete at the highest level despite limited resources compared with athletes who have better training facilities.
As a British‑Nigerian, Edewor says she would support Nigeria if the two nations faced each other. Although she is half British, she was raised in Nigeria and feels a strong national pride that makes her a lifelong Nigerian fan.
She follows Nigerian football only during major tournaments such as the World Cup or the African Cup of Nations and does not watch the domestic league. While she played for her school’s girls’ team and grew up with football as part of the culture—her uncle even owned a team—she does not have the intense fandom that some supporters display.
Among Nigerian footballers, she remembers the Super Eagles legends Nwankwo Kanu and Daniel Amokachi, and she is impressed by young talents who secure contracts with foreign clubs, seeing it as a path to a better life.
Regarding racism in sports, Edewor finds it deeply disappointing. She believes sport should provide an equal playing field for all, regardless of background, and that racism undermines athletes’ morale and creates an unfair environment.
On the issue of male footballers earning more than female players, she notes that men’s leagues generate significantly more revenue and contribute more to a country’s GDP, which influences pay structures. While she does not think female players should be underpaid, she argues that increasing support and investment in women’s football is essential before equal pay can be achieved.
If any of her children chose a career in sports, Edewor would support them, provided they have a strong passion. She encourages sports in schools because it teaches teamwork, resilience and the reality that life is not always fair. She believes all sports can be viable careers and even jokes that she could become a good manager.
Her career path was shaped by a lifelong desire to act. Growing up in Nigeria, she was drawn to movies and seized any opportunity that exposed her to the entertainment industry, which led to modelling, TV presenting and film production.
Edewor still stays active physically, working out and going to the gym regularly.
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