#
Nigerian actress, screenwriter, and film producer Uche Jombo Rodriguez recently opened up about her love for sports, particularly football, her steadfast support for Manchester United, and her latest film project, Onyeegwu, in an interview.
**A Lifelong Passion for Football**
Uche Jombo Rodriguez revealed that her interest in football dates back to her childhood. “I love football a great deal. I have always loved football; even as a kid, I was watching live football matches and didn’t realize ‘girls’,” she said.
**Early Involvement in Sports**
Reflecting on her early years, Jombo Rodriguez shared her experiences playing street football. “I played street football as a child and was good at it. I would have loved to play it on a professional level, but that obviously didn’t happen because I was seriously involved in other things, especially acting,” she explained.
**Support for Manchester United**
A dedicated Manchester United fan, Jombo Rodriguez expressed her loyalty to the club. “I’m a born Manchester United fan; I didn’t even know I had a choice to support any other club as a child. I like the proactiveness of the new dispensation. Seeing how quickly we are getting transfers done is giving me hope. Now, I know we can favorably compete for titles next season. The players they are bringing in are of top quality.”
**Family and Sports**
When asked about her son’s involvement in sports, she mentioned his preference for basketball. “I wish he was, but he is more interested in basketball than football. The choice is his, and I would support him in reaching his career goals in whatever way possible.”
**Admiration for Lionel Messi**
Jombo Rodriguez named Lionel Messi as her favorite sports personality. “I chose him for his infectious humility, discipline, and competitiveness. Also, for everything he’s done for the sport. He is a role model for every aspiring football player,” she noted.
**Nigerian Sporting Legends**
While she does not have a single favorite Nigerian sports legend, Jombo Rodriguez expressed admiration for several national team players, including Austin Jay-Jay Okocha.
**New Film Project: Onyeegwu**
Jombo Rodriguez’s latest project, Onyeegwu, is a football film that combines her love for both film and football. “Anyone who knows me or has followed me knows that I love football a lot. My two greatest loves are film and football. My latest project, Onyeegwu, gave me the opportunity to bring the two together. It’s a football film about family, hope, hard work, love, and forgiveness. It starts streaming on Amazon Prime Video on July 19,” she said.
She described the challenging two-year journey of making the film, which was shot in Lagos and Istanbul. “It wasn’t an easy shoot; we were filming mostly outside, so of course, we had to deal with area boys and all! This is a story I want to tell well and right! This is my love letter to a sport I love so much, football!”
**Outlook on the 2024 Olympics**
Discussing Nigeria’s preparation for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Jombo Rodriguez emphasized the importance of readiness. “They should be adequately prepared because the Olympic Games is not a small competition and features the biggest stars in all sporting events across the world. I have no expectations; it’s easier for me like that. I wish Team Nigeria the best of luck.”
**A Career in Sports**
If given the chance, Jombo Rodriguez stated she would have pursued a career in football. “Obviously, football. As I said earlier, it is one of my two greatest loves.”
**Memorable Sporting Moments**
She concluded by mentioning that her most memorable sporting moments are too many to count, highlighting her deep connection to the sport.