Nigerian football suffering from nepotism – Cyro

Nollywood actor Tunde Shobayo, popularly known as Cyro, speaks candidly about his early love for Chelsea, admiration for Victor Osimhen, wider issues with the state of Nigerian sports amid World Cup struggles and more in this interview with OLAMIDE ABE

How involved are you in sports generally, and what club do you support?

I do not follow football very deeply, but I have been a Chelsea fan since the time of Didier Drogba and his teammates. I joined the club primarily because John Obi Mikel was Nigerian. That connection drew me in, and I felt proud to support a team where a fellow Nigerian was playing. Over the years, I have not been following them as actively as before, and I can barely name most of the current players now. Back then, I used to watch every match attentively, and I genuinely enjoyed it. Watching football was a form of personal entertainment for me, something that gave me pleasure and excitement.

What made you support them in those days before you stopped following them actively?

When I first started following football, Liverpool was my first club. I enjoyed their style of play, but Chelsea became special to me because of Mikel. When he joined the club, I immediately felt a Nigerian connection and started following Chelsea more closely. Even after Mikel left, I remained a Chelsea fan because the other players had already won my heart. It was not just about one player anymore, but the team as a whole had impressed me and made me loyal.

What was your best memory of being a Chelsea fan, and what did you enjoy most?

I have always watched football for my own enjoyment, never letting it affect my mood or behaviour negatively. Some people become overly emotional, unable to eat or even sleep properly when their team loses, but that has never been me. I am an actor, and I always remind myself that football players are professionals doing their job, and they are paid to perform. I watch to enjoy the game and admire the skill, not to become frustrated by the results.

What sports did you enjoy in school?

When I was in school, I was very active. I played football, acted in plays, and sang. Acting eventually became my primary focus, but football remained a passion. My most enjoyable match as a Chelsea fan was the semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona in 2008. I remember Andres Iniesta equalising in the dying minutes, and I was completely devastated. That moment felt like it ruined everything, and I have often joked that I will never forgive him. Many of us were hopeful, and some people even bought cows and painted them blue to celebrate. That match was thrilling, emotional, and memorable. It is one of my most treasured experiences as a fan.

Chelsea are the current Club World Cup champions. Do you believe they can win the league this season?

Being a world champion today does not guarantee that you will remain on top tomorrow. Football is like life. You cannot become complacent while others are improving and trying to overtake you. If you fall, the consequences are heavy, and it can be difficult to recover. Teams must constantly work hard and stay focused. Even though I support Chelsea, I acknowledge that they need to push harder and improve their performance. The competition is very strong, and every team is striving to win. Chelsea must fight with consistency, commitment, and determination if they want to remain champions. Success is not permanent; it requires continuous effort.

Which present Nigerian footballer is your personal favourite?

There is no one other than Victor Osimhen. No player comes close. He is exceptional, the boy of glory. He is the only one in the team who consistently delivers results and deserves recognition. Others may perform well, but without tangible outcomes, it does not have the same impact. In football, the output is what matters. Osimhen is the only player currently producing consistent results. He is talented, hardworking, and the clear standout.

What about historically? Who from the past would you go for?

From the past, I would choose Mutiu Adepoju, the headmaster. He was precise, disciplined, and highly reliable. Give him any cross or corner, and he would deliver. That is something I admired greatly. Then there was the late Rashidi Yekini. He may not have been the fastest, but he always converted chances. You could always count on him. Of course, other players in different positions were also important, and their contributions were meaningful. I also admire Jay-Jay Okocha for his skill and creativity. Sunday Oliseh was another player I loved, particularly for his powerful shots and vision on the field. These players represented Nigeria with excellence and provided joy for fans like me.

So if you were to choose the greatest Nigerian player among all the past and present you mentioned, who would it be?

Osimhen is remarkable, but it is difficult to compare him directly to older players because each generation is different. Mikel, for example, had his prime, and his era was different from Oliseh’s. Eras, playing styles, and patterns differ, so it would not be fair to rank them all together. Each player was great in their own time, and they should be appreciated within their context.

What did you think about our failure to qualify for the World Cup?

Yes, I followed them closely, and it was painful to see Nigeria miss out. Personally, as someone who admires Osimhen, it was disappointing. Qualifying would have increased his value and added more recognition to his talent. Even though missing out does not directly affect his club salary, representing Nigeria on the global stage is invaluable. We all saw that he performed exceptionally well during the qualifiers. Our opponents also played well and deserved to win. When your country does not qualify, it hits you hard, and it is normal to feel sadness. Even if we try again, it will remain challenging because the competition grows tougher each year. Football is unpredictable. You cannot always expect results to go your way. Life must continue, and football should be appreciated as part of the experience, not something that defines our emotional well-being. I remember watching a match with someone years ago, and he became so overwhelmed by excitement that he slumped and died. Football is enjoyable, but one must not lose perspective.

What do you think can be done differently so Nigeria can qualify consistently and perform better in Africa?

Sports in Nigeria are not working. In fact, generally, everything is not working. The people in charge know what is right and who should be chosen, but instead of doing the right thing, nepotism dominates. Children, younger brothers, and relatives of those in power are given opportunities regardless of merit. Positions are filled based on connections rather than talent, and money often dictates who gets what. Even deserving players at the grassroots level are overlooked because they lack networks. Merit is no longer the basis for selection, and this undermines progress. It is not enough for us to simply talk about solutions. The authorities must take responsibility and implement effective strategies. This is not only a problem in sports but across all sectors, including entertainment and governance. The same structural issues hinder development everywhere.