Nollywood actress Teniola Aladese opens up on her evolving relationship with sports, childhood experiences as a tomboy and admiration for athletes in this interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE
Whenever your schedule allows you to watch or participate, what sporting events attract your interest?
When I was younger, I played football, but I enjoy watching swimming. I don’t swim, but I like watching it. I’m also intrigued by tennis.
How have your sporting interests evolved over the years?
I used to be very interested in sports. I was a tomboy and played football, but since I became older, I stepped away from sports. However, I’ve been considering following one of my friends to play tennis. Maybe that’s something I’ll do this year.
Who are the famous athletes you know in the sports you have mentioned?
I know Michael Phelps in swimming—the American swimmer who has more Olympic medals than some countries. In tennis, it’s clearly Serena Williams. I also love Naomi Osaka.
How about Nigerian stars? Do you also have any favourites among them?
From the older generation, I know Jay-Jay Okocha, Taribo West, and Osaze Odemwingie. I had a crush on Odemwingie when I was younger. I also know William Troost-Ekong, Tobi Amusan, and Asisat Oshoala. Aside from knowing them for what they do, I don’t know much about them personally. As for Michelle Alozie, I really like her. I think she’s an incredibly talented and intelligent woman. I’ve read about how she balances two demanding professions as a footballer and a doctor.
How do you relate team spirit in sports to your career as an actress?
Team spirit in our industry means understanding that you are just a small part of a bigger machine. Being the lead actor doesn’t make you the only important person on set. Everybody’s role matters. Without the production assistant, many things wouldn’t run smoothly. Without the gaffer, certain things wouldn’t happen. Everyone has a designated role, and each person contributes to pushing the entire production forward.
Have you ever considered adapting a sports-themed story for a film?
I would have to think about that, but I must say I enjoyed watching Challengers and its behind-the-scenes and making-of content.
With your background in Mass Communication and some anchoring roles you have played during events, have you considered a career in broadcasting?
My Plan B, if acting didn’t work out, was to become a news anchor. I studied Mass Communication, and that was always my backup plan. Thankfully, acting worked out, so I didn’t have to go into broadcasting.
Who inspired your passion for broadcasting?
Christiane Amanpour has always been my favourite. I studied her during my time at Covenant University. I wasn’t a big fan of the news, but whenever she was on, I wanted to listen. Also, Oprah Winfrey. Studying Mass Communication made me pay attention to the news and stay grounded in current affairs.
Any regrets about not practising broadcasting?
No regrets at all. What I look forward to is playing a news anchor in a film someday.
Do you use the gym to stay in shape, and have any of your movie roles required fitness training?
I don’t use the gym because I have a treadmill at home. I enjoy taking walks, but sometimes it’s unsafe, especially when you return from set late at night. So I do about one hour and 30 minutes on the treadmill. I also do crunches, planks, and skipping. Yes, some roles have required fitness training—one of them was Sole.
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