In this interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE, Nigerian music journalist and podcaster, Joey Akan, opens up on his sporting life and how the worlds of sports and entertainment intersect in his own journey
You are very active physically. What does fitness mean to you and how do you stay fit?
Being fit is staying active. I hit the gym. I love the gym, and I run long-distance races and marathons, and I have medals to show for it as well. That’s my life. I also party because that’s important as well.
What would you say is the sporty side of Joey Akan?
The sporty side of me is football, and there is some volleyball in there, too. I just love sports that are fun, but I mostly do football and running. I also follow mixed martial arts. Boxing is fun too. Those are my go-to sports.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup is still a talking point. Despite failing on the pitch, we are looking at technical grounds for qualification. What’s your take on it?
Nigeria is not going to any World Cup; let us stay at home. It’s a shame. They had all the shots multiple times. Let us move past that and focus on the Africa Cup of Nations.
Do you think the Super Eagles must win AFCON to make a statement?
They need to win it. Although it won’t be enough to make up for missing the World Cup, it will be something to hold on to. If we win now, we rule Africa. But the World Cup is still being held next year, and we won’t be there, so the pain will surely come back. Before then, let them go to Morocco and win the AFCON first. It will remain one of our titles, and it will be good for the players, too. But like I said, next year we are going to sulk over the World Cup again.
What is your favourite football club?
I support Arsenal. Come on, you Gunners!
Is this Arsenal’s season?
Well, it’s my club and I know my team. Until we lift it, I’m never sure, but I’m hopeful. We have done a lot of work. We have a deep squad, slightly injury-ravaged around this period, but it’s still a deep squad.
There are a number of Arsenal fan among Nigerian celebrities. Why do you think the club has such appeal among celebrities?
I think it’s because Arsenal is about strategy and tactics, and those are similar traits in this sort of market. So I’m not surprised that many celebrities are Arsenal fans.
How long have you supported the club?
It’s been over 20 years now. I’ve been there through the Arsène Wenger era. I saw the Unai Emery era, and now we are in Mikel Arteta’s era.
Arsenal have gone through defensive struggles over the years. How do you assess that period?
Having players like Squillaci, Philippe Senderos was kind of and Shkodran Mustafi was good for a while, but defending was in shambles. The attack wasn’t the problem as much as the defence, which was a major issue.
If you had to choose, would you prefer winning the UEFA Champions League or the Premier League this season?
Give me the league, please. I just want to win the English Premier League. If we have both, fine, but let us have the league first. I rate the league more than the Champions League.
Why do you value the league more?
I think it’s the true test of resilience as a team. It’s also special when you beat all your peers home and away and then lift the trophy. It’s more prestigious for me.
Do you follow the Nigerian domestic league?
I don’t really follow the local league. I once attended a game somewhere in Akwa Ibom where there was almost a fight, and I said I wasn’t going to be there again. However, I sometimes catch Sporting Lagos because my friends run the club. That’s about it for me.
Have you ever watched Arsenal live at the Emirates Stadium?
No, I haven’t, but I’ve been to Wembley Stadium and walked around the grounds.
How do you compare the Nigerian entertainment industry and the sports industry?
It’s still entertainment, and they are both entertaining. They both build pride, they have stars and the best people, and they are public-facing. The best and most successful people become stars in both industries.
Who is your favourite player in the Super Eagles?
Victor Osimhen. That guy is great. I like most of them, but he has been special.
Do you think Osimhen should be the next captain of the national team?
Maybe he should be, but I don’t know. It’s up to the team and the coaches.
Among past Super Eagles players, who stands out for you?
I love Kanu Nwankwo as well. I watched him closely at Arsenal and with the national team. He scored great goals that I still remember.
Finally, you’ve built a successful music journalism brand with Afrobeats Intelligence. What’s next for you?
This year has been good. We signed a number of deals, including a headline sponsorship and other partnerships. I still have another podcast coming. Next year, we are going to travel and build something new as well.
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