INTERVIEW: I was once mocked for analysing sports as a female, says Oluchi

By Genevieve Aningo

Sports journalism is an exciting field across the globe but in several countries, it is an area usually dominated by men.

However, a few women are changing the status quo and bracing the odds as sports journalists.

One of such women is Uchenna Oluchi Eze. The sports analyst and On-Air-Personality (OAP) is on a path to become an inspiration to young girls who crave a career in sports journalism but are discouraged by the society.

In this interview with CRISPNG, Oluchi reflects on life as a female sports broadcaster, challenges, aspirations, and the launch of DecencySports TV.

Please introduce yourself

My name is Miss Uchenna Oluchi Eze. I am a sports analyst and On-Air-Personality (OAP). I’m the founder of DecencySportsTV, which promotes sports programmes and encourages women to get into sports journalism, especially football.

When did you launch your Sport TV? 

My Decency Sports TV was launched on 27th June 2022 after months and years of planning, researching and skill development.

What was the rationale/motivation behind your sports career? 

While growing up, I was deeply in love with sports programmes. So, from primary and secondary schools, I actively participated in sporting activities like high jump, football and volleyball. Still, on getting into the University, I started developing the zeal to be a sports journalist.

So, after my university education, I decided to take this route that I am not only passionate about but deeply motivated to.

I was also particularly interested in championing an uncommon career development route, and as you know, our society already has enormous mainstream media practitioners. So, I decided to do what I love most, sports broadcasting.

What can you say of sports journalism or media in Nigeria? Your perception of the industry.

The industry is still growing in Nigeria, unlike the entertainment and fashion industries. Until we start to have giant sports media industries like Super Sports, CNN Sports etc., domiciled in Nigeria and covering sporting activities worldwide, I cannot say sincerely that we are doing exceptionally well.

But with the way the sports media practitioners are creating awareness, I am optimistic that we will get there in the next few years.  We are taking over sporting broadcasting and coverage, just like Naija Entertainers are ruling the world today with their unique brand and musical lyrics. Laughs.

Why do you think the sports industry is dominated by males? 

In Nigeria and across the globe, there is a domination of males in most industries, not just sports. In politics and other critical areas, the rate of women’s involvement is still below expectations. That is why one of the UN Sustaining Development Goals is a campaign for gender equality.

Another reason is that people see sports as an exclusive activity of the male folks on and off the pitch. As a result, we have more males in sports in the media and on the field of sports. There is a high level of indifference among women in sports programs; most women do not watch sports.

So, how can you analyse what you do not study? Again, lack of motivation from our families and some cultural barriers contribute to this issue. Most women athletes or footballers are discouraged by their parents or advised to try another career. Some believe women athletes hardly get married, and even if they do, they will find it challenging to give birth and other superstitious beliefs. I do not know how that mindset came about, but I think this is one of the reasons.

What incentives or actions need to be done to encourage more women involvement in the sports industry?

A friend told me about a campaign for 50:50 representation of men and women within the United Nations and her agency’s employment. All media managers should encourage such an idea of gender balance in sports journalism.

Although I think some managers today are passionate about giving female sports reporters priority over their male counterparts during recruitment. Making such an idea an administrative policy would go a long way toward encouraging more women into the business. Stakeholders should also celebrate women in sports media and support them with private-sector endorsements to enhance their profile and draw others closer to the field.

What factors influenced  you to break even in a male dominated media.

Permit me to say, without being immodest, that the saying that what a man can do, a woman can do even better was one of my motivating factors… laughs. Besides, I wanted to follow my passion, to do something I am inspired from inside, something unique to my heart, something that will give me satisfaction and happiness – my sports spirit.

I am passionately in love with football; it greatly influenced me. Whenever I argue about it with males, they invariably marvel at how depth I know about the beautiful game. It gives me so much joy.

As a female sports journalist in Nigeria, what are your goals? 

My goals are many ooo… laughs. Well, one of my goals is to be one of the best female sports analysts in Nigeria and for me to be with the likes of Peter Dury and Ian Wright of Super sports (smiles). I have a long-term plan of partnering with other stakeholders to build a Sports media House in Nigeria, a replica of SuperSport and Goal.com.

Have you been looked down on or mocked as a lady for engaging in sports broadcasting? Did your move make eyes sneer and tongues wagging? 

Yes, when I started analysing sports on my WhatsApp status, some women saw me as an unserious person, and they did not hide their reservations. I do get crazy comments then. Some would always ask me, are you insane?

Are you sure you want to get married? Leave sports and talk about entertainment and all of that. On the part of men, some of them saw my analysis as something not to be taken seriously even though they are always accurate simply because I am a woman.  But none of those attitudes moved me because I knew where I was going.

What are your challenges in terms of the industry, being a lady and what do you plan to change through your sports journalism or broadcast in the  sport industry? 

I do not think there is a challenge per se because women are coming into sports journalism very well, so it’s no longer a new thing. Again, I see challenges as a stepping stone to the next level.

In every system, barriers, oppositions, and other issues may drag you down; you must keep going, focused and determined. The most significant challenge which I hope to overcome is finance. Starting as a stand-alone sports journalist requires a lot of financial support, which I hope will come as I progress.

I want to champion a campaign for female involvement in sports and sports journalism. I seriously want to create a space for women in sports; I want us to be seen, heard and watched.

Your advice to other females who desire to venture into sports journalism or broadcasting or perhaps other industries that is male gender focused .

 My candid advice to my super women out there is that they should follow their passion. It is time for us to change the narrative in the sports industry. They should feel free to explore the sports world. If you are a sports enthusiast, come out and show yourself.

If you think you can play football or do any other sports, please look for a platform and enrol yourself. This also applies to other fields where males dominate us, like engineering, politics, etc.

It is time for us to shake off cultural barriers and orientation that limits women from reaching their goals or maximising their potentials. Thank you.