In a university’s sports environment where football reigns supreme as the sport of choice, it is almost impossible to find someone not engrossed by the beautiful game. From the shouts of students debating the latest Premier League matches to several football competitions within the armpit of the school, such as the Seals Cup, Sigma Cup, and even the various Dean’s Cup, football dominates campus conversations and activities.
If it’s not football, it’s nothing—nothing else matters.
This fixation has sometimes overshadowed the beauty of other sports and the talents they nurture.
Mr. Oyinbusola Igbinahedun, popularly referred to as O’Brian, the Sports Secretary of the Law Students Society (LSS), UI, has found passion and proficiency on the track.
This is a rare story in a university setting where avid sports lovers like him, regardless of their athletic ability, are naturally expected to engage with football as their main sporting activity.
This interview delves into the journey of Mr. O’Brian, exploring his experiences and his view of sports in our university. It’s an inspiring story of breaking the mold, discovering one’s own path in sports, and advocating for inclusivity in an environment dominated by football.
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Mr. O’Brian! Let’s kick off by talking about your first experience with sports. Was it different from what most people usually go through?
O’Brian: I’ve been doing sports since I was a kid. From playing football in the neighborhood and school to running throughout my time at basic school. I didn’t really feel much back then because it didn’t matter to me. I was only doing sport for fun back then. The feeling was different when I got to UI though. I started to feel connected to the sport I do. It kind of became a big part of me; there’s no way I’d wake up in a day and not think about my sport.
Interviewer: That’s interesting to know. Football is extremely popular on campus. What drew you away from it, considering it’s such a dominant sport?
O’Brain: Football is the hotcake sport in UI, to be very honest. It’s not even in UI alone; I don’t think I’d be wrong if I said football is a popular sport worldwide. Like I’ve said before, I used to play football before I entered UI. I even played for a short period when I was in 100L; I played for my class football team in three friendly matches and also the Dean’s Cup. It is still a shock to me that I could stop playing football because I used to leave house chores undone and go as far away as possible from home just to play football. What drew me away from football is running. My decision to participate in Prof. Bamgbose Road Race in 100L changed everything.
Interviewer: Wow, that must have been a pivotal moment for you. So, how did your interest in track develop after that?
O’Brain: Everything started with Prof. Bamgbose Road Race. I went through so much preparing for that competition and was really glad it paid off. While preparing, I also participated in the VC Marathon organized by the Students’ Union when I was in 100L, and the experience was really good. I participated in a couple of competitions afterward and thought maybe I should just stick with running and leave football. Aside from running, I play board games. I’m not really good at any of them, but I still manage to play them anytime I have the chance. There are some sports I’m actually very interested in, but I don’t have the time and resources for them at the moment.
Interviewer: It’s great to see your passion for exploring different sports. Do you think the university environment places too much focus on football?
O’Brain: Yes, a lot of attention is on football on campus, to be very honest. Some people don’t even recognize other sports and pay little or no attention to them.
Interviewer: That’s quite an observation. You mentioned in your manifesto that many students claim not to like football. Why do you think this is the case?
O’Brain: I remember vividly when I told someone I was contesting for the position of Sports Secretary back then. What she said was, “Don’t tell me you play football.” And if I’m being honest, she wasn’t the only person who felt that way. There are other guys too who have the same feeling about football but would not want to express it openly. This shows that a number of people are already tired of hearing about football all the time. People need to see other sports too.
Interviewer: It seems you’ve faced challenges in promoting other sports besides football. Could you share some of those with us?
O’Brain: Low turnout is one challenge I’d say I’m facing. It seems only football can draw people out of their rooms, to be honest. Whenever there’s mention of any other sport besides football, you won’t see a crowd. Even some people that do these sports will not show up. I guess what we need is time. When people see that we’re not stopping at anything to promote other sports, they will learn to respect them and show up.
Interviewer: I get what you’re saying. It’s tough to shift people’s focus when they’re used to one thing. But I admire your persistence in trying to change that narrative, it’s really inspiring. So, Can you share a memorable experience from participating in a track event sport on campus?
O’Brain: I think that would be the MTN Champs competition. I ran the race a few days or weeks after healing from a knee injury. I wasn’t in shape for competition but participated regardless. And guess what? I almost fainted after the race.I was carried out of the tracks and placed on a bed. I spent like five to ten minutes on that bed before I could stand up myself.
Interviewer: Wow, that must have been a scary moment but it just shows the kind of determination you have. Speaking of which, you won the bronze medal for the Faculty of Law in the last concluded Inter-Faculty event. Do you plan to participate in the upcoming Inter Hall games?
O’Brain: I don’t actually feel so happy about my performance at the competition. The fact that I was fasting and some other stuff, which I’d rather not talk about, made me feel very bad after that race. In the coming up Inter-Hall, I’m not sure how I’d perform because I’ve been really busy and barely have time for training these days. But that doesn’t mean I’d settle for anything less if I eventually run.
Interviewer: Okay…Fingers crossed for your next race then. In your opinion, what sports have the most untapped potential in the faculty and in the university as a whole?
O’Brain: I’d say Chess! The problem, however, is that people don’t recognize chess as a sport. I had a discussion with a colleague a while ago, and he said, “Chess is not a sport but just a game.” In the faculty and even UI as a whole, we have people that are very good at playing chess, but I don’t think we’re paying enough attention to that.
Interviewer: That’s an interesting point. What advice would you give to students who have an interest in sports but are hesitant to participate because of the football-dominated culture?
O’Brain: I’d say do your thing! Do the sport you like as long as you’re deriving pleasure from doing it. Peluola Olamide, a classmate of mine, plays volleyball, and I don’t think anyone else in the faculty does besides Havillah Collins. That doesn’t stop him from playing his volleyball. I’ve met him several times going to training or even at the volleyball court.
It doesn’t matter whether the sport is respected or not. What you should ask yourself is why you want to do the sport. Once you have your “why,” don’t bother about what people think about your sport. I’ve had several criticisms on why I chose running over other sports, but that doesn’t mean I’d give in to the criticisms.
Interviewer: That’s a very motivational answer. Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts with us. It was a pleasure having you here.
It’s clear that football is a big deal on campus, but there’s so much more to explore! From running and chess to volleyball and board games, we have talented people excelling in sports beyond football. Let’s try something different and support each other no matter the sport. The next time you hear about a track event, a chess tournament, or a volleyball game, take a moment to show up and cheer. Sports are about fun, connection, and celebrating everyone’s talent.
Written by: Aremu Goodness
Awnnnnnn
You are doing well sir.
Pls sir how can I join sport in UI as a student of university of Ibadan.