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.
