​SPORTS: AFAS SPORTS PERSON OF THE WEEK

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This week, AFAS PRESS presents an interview with Enyi Miriam, a student of History and skilled footballer.
AFAS PRESS: Introduce yourself to your readers, ma?
My name is Enyi Miriam Nwanyibuife. I am from Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State. I was born in Lagos State where I had my primary school education. After that, I moved to Enugu where I attended Command Secondary School in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. We are six in my family and I am the fourth and last child of my parent.

AFAS PRESS: Journey so far in the University of Ibadan?

When I first got to UI, I really didn’t have a plan for myself because I was just a fresh graduate from secondary school. So I was trying to settle down because I was a little bit late for resumption. So far, UI has been wonderful both academically and socially. At least I can say that UI and my course of study, History has shaped my thinking and the way I interact with people.

AFAS PRESS: Did you suddenly embrace Sports?

 Hmmm, when I got admitted to UI, I told myself I was going to dedicate my time to football but along the line I got distracted with the love of Volleyball, which happened to be the first game I was introduced to because of its closeness to the Faculty of Arts. Football although came later because there was no standing female team, so I had to train with males at University of Ibadan Sport Complex.

AFAS PRESS: How have you been able to combine sports with academic?

 As I speak to you now, I’m still finding it hard to balance both, my course; History needs dedication and time to be able to be a first-class or a second class student. The dedication and time I give to History and my borrowed courses has to be given to football, if I ever want to get to the peak. I have found it hard, doing so, although, back in secondary school I had time for both but things are different here. Most times, I pray the Faculty of Arts lecture time table does not clash with my sports time table but it always does and I can’t abandon the primary reason I came to UI for sports.  When I eventually have time to train, I am either stuck with assignments or preparing for tests. So, in a nutshell, my academic life disrupts my sport life a lot. I most time envy those who combine both and their CGPA still good. They are like little gods to me.

AFAS PRESS: You are unarguably the most talented AFAS female footballer. How does that feel?

For me, I think it’s just God that has preserved this talent of mine. It feels great being the best but there is also a lot of pressure in it because it is like all eyes are just on you waiting to analyse your performance. I also try to train more because where you think you are the best, you are just an amateur. I also do not try to see myself as the best for now because me telling myself I am the best makes me feel so settled and relaxed. My own definition of the best is different and mine is based on hard work and consistency which I sometimes lack.

AFAS PRESS: Do you think the females are well represented in AFAS Dean’s games?

With support and encouragement from fans and well-wishers, I think the females get that. But based on the fee they get after the competition, it is a no from me. Last session, the money allocated to the winner of the female category was awarded to male who came second in the Dean’s cup. It is just so unfair and I was truly devastated by that incident. Most have worked hard just as the males have done but end up getting rewarded below expectations. I pray the new sports administration try to work on the issue because it is high time females got recognized and well represented. After all, we are all humans.

AFAS PRESS: Being a versatile attacker, which playing position suits you the most?

I love striking and at the same time trying to help the defence. It took me a long time to conclude on the position to play but I know I will do better playing the defence midfield role. I do not actually fancy scoring without having any effect on the team; I am the type who loves winning.

AFAS PRESS: On a scale of 1-10, kindly rate the administration of AFAS Sports Directors since 2017?

For the AFAS Sports Director in 2016/2017, I will rate him 7/10. He tried but not to my expectations. For this administration, I will give a 6 for now because we are yet to start the competition but I pray they do better than the previous administration.

AFAS PRESS: How do you cope with your admirers?

I give them reasons to love me more and support me because it is a very gainful activity

AFAS PRESS: Do you think AFAS is lagging behind in sports?

Yes.

AFAS PRESS: If you are to rank AFAS departmental football teams, how will your list look like?

To be honest, I am not good at ranking teams because I might be unfair in my raking but I know Philosophy, Linguists, History, Islamic studies, Theatre Arts and English are all good male teams because I have seen them play and for females; History, Archaeology and Anthropology, Theatre Arts all have good female players.

AFAS PRESS: Do you see yourself playing professional football?

By the grace of God, when I graduate from UI, I see myself becoming a professional player. It has always been my dream since I was 5 years’ old who got introduced to football by my daddy.

AFAS PRESS: Favourite food and hobbies?

It’s called Fio fio, it’s an Eastern food, so it’s not everyone who knows it, but I can eat it all day. For my hobbies, I love reading books about religion and history, I get fascinated by them. And also Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s books are also my favourites. I love sports and watching movies

AFAS PRESS: What are your achievements so far?

I won the Inter hall football competition with Obafemi Awolowo Hall in 2017, I won AFAS Dean’s cup with History in 2018 and also won the female of the year at SHSN Award Night and Dinner, 2018.

AFAS PRESS: Shout outs?

My shout out goes to my Dad, who made me love and cherish sports, my mom and siblings; God bless them all. My shout out goes to SHSN male and female teams. God bless them all. Shout out to my course mates my friends and my admirers, I love you all. Shout outs to all AFASites and the executive members. Shout outs to the AFAS PRESS for taking my story, thank you. And most especially to every young girl out there who has to work twice hard to get noticed, may God continue to bless you till you reach your peak. Salute.

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