Veteran Nollywood actor Olamide Blessing, popularly known as Baba Esu, shares his lifelong passion for football and his loyalty to Manchester United from his first encounter with the club in 1989 to the miracle of 1999 and the team’s recent resurgence under Michael Carrick, in this interview with The Sports Illuminator monitored by OLAMIDE ABE
We’ve seen you countless times in Nollywood movies, but which football club do you support?
I am not an Arsenal fan, and I will never be an Arsenal fan. I used to argue it with Yemi Solade, whose entire life is about Arsenal, and I showed him statistics of how we are superior. Even if my sibling is playing for Arsenal against United, I will tell them to break his legs. I cannot allow Arsenal to defeat us, no matter what. Even though they will win this league, they will lose the Champions League final. I have told all of them. Manchester United is the number one club in the Premier League, in England, of all clubs. Liverpool too, but Manchester United is my team. I love the team to the extent that I can’t eat when United lose, and I leave set if I want to watch their games, no matter what.
How did that love story begin?
That’s a wonderful question. My interest started in 1989. I was at Jaguar International, a true sports lover. The first time I saw Manchester United play was around 1997 or 1998, but the real beginning was 1989. By SS1 and SS2 in 1991, I was a full Manchester United fan. I bought my first United jersey in 1991, and I have never looked back.
What is the greatest Manchester United moment for you?
The best miracle you can ever witness in football is the 1999 Champions League final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich. Those last minutes are the greatest miracle in football history. You can never see anything like that again. Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær scored two goals in injury time. That is the kind of magic that makes you fall in love with a club forever.
Now, looking at the current season, what do you think about Manchester United’s recent form under the current manager?
We have been very unfortunate with managers. Erik Ten Hag came and spoiled things, though he won two trophies. Ruben Amorim came in and drew us back. He is never a coach on our level, but he scammed us by beating Man City in the Champions League. His time dragged us back until Michael Carrick came to turn things around. He is the best for us. Look at what changed in that team from January. It’s not magic. The blood of Manchester United has just come back into the team. They have played almost 14 matches: they lost two, won almost 12, and drew one. Is that not a good look? That is the Manchester United we all want to see. Attack, passion, never say die. We will compete for trophies next season and will win the FA Cup and Carabao.
So you’re saying Manchester United are truly back?
Voilà! They are back. When you see the players fighting for every ball, when you see the crowd at Old Trafford roaring again, you know something has changed. It’s not just about winning, it’s about the spirit. That is what Manchester United means to me.
Name your top five greatest Manchester United players of all time.
My top five? Let me think carefully. First, Bobby Charlton, a great man, a great player, a legend. Second, Eric Cantona, he changed everything at the club. Third, David Beckham, that right foot was a gift from God. Fourth, Cristiano Ronaldo, in his first spell, he was unplayable. Fifth, Wayne Rooney, the heart and soul of United for over a decade. These five men represent everything good about Manchester United: talent, passion, and winning mentality.
No Roy Keane? No Paul Scholes?
You are testing me. Roy Keane and Paul Scholes are in my top seven, but top five, I gave you my five. Ask me another day, and maybe Keane comes in. That is how deep United’s history is.
Would you say you bleed Manchester United?
Manchester United is in my blood. From 1989 to now, 35 years. I have seen the highs of trebles and the lows of relegation battles. But a true fan never abandons his club. When they lose, I feel pain. When they win, I celebrate like a child. That is what being a fan means.
What advice do you have for young fans who only support clubs because they win trophies?
Football is not about trophies alone. Football is about belonging. You don’t choose a club because they are winning today. You choose a club because something connects with your heart. For me, that was Manchester United in 1989. For you, it might be another club. But once you choose, you stay. Enjoy life for life, and always believe in your team.
Any final message for Manchester United fans in Nigeria and around the world?
Yes. Keep believing. The glory days will return. Manchester United is not a small club. We have history, we have passion, and we have fans all over the world. From Lagos to London, from Abuja to Accra, United fans are everywhere. Stay patient, stay loud, and always sing the name of the Red Devils.
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