AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH IFUNANYA IJEH

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We were opportuned to have a chat with one of significantly improved players over the years on her achievements and what to expect in the years coming.
Ifunanya Ijeh at an earlier age in 2015, was amongst the players in Dolphins Basketball Club’s first Women’s Championship, after defeating Elephant Girls.
Ijeh recently got a sports scholarship into the Benson Idahosa University, and we are pleased to showcase this dialogue with one of our correspondents.

​Correspondent:
Hello Ifumnaya, how are you doing?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Am fine thank you
Correspondent:
The entire crew congratulates you on the opportunity to further your education at Benson Idaosa University Benin, Edo State Nigeria.
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Thank you very much I really appreciate you all
Correspondent:
Is it a full or partial scholarship?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
A partial scholarship

Correspondent:
To study what course?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
To study library and information science
Correspondent:
Interesting!! How did you feel when you got the news that you have been offered a scholarship at BIU?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
I was very excited because that was the least school I had in mind to go to, because it is a private university and one of the best in Nigeria
Correspondent:
We are all happy for you.
Tell us about your basketball journey, how did you start? Who introduced you to the game? Can you still recall the first day you attempted a jump shot or tried to dribble the ball?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
It all start in impression basketball academy at Asaba Girls Grammar School. I was actually a gymnast before joining basketball. I had a lot of friends back then in school who played basketball and also some neighbors who played basketball too, so one of them (Marvelous Okonne) advised me to give basketball a try. On this particular day I went to the court based on her advise. To my surprise I met lots of new people who are also learning the game, but I was the smallest among all of them, that didn't scare me because I was determined to learn the game.
Oftentimes my coach will always ask me and the other rookies to go to the other court (Abula court) to dribble the ball, he never allowed us play with the senior players back then but that did not change my mind on learning the game. My first attempted shot was an “air-ball” all the kids on court laughed at me but I kept on trying until I finally made my first shot (a free-throw).
Correspondent:
Now, considering that basketball is a male dominated game did you feel reluctant to continue learning the game at any point?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Yes I have felt reluctant on so many occasions whereby I was been intimidated because of my height and size.
Correspondent:
Ok but what about the gender issue, was it a factor at any point for you?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
No it wasn't because I had a male friend back then who used to say to me that I should never be discouraged or intimidated by anyone. In addition, the guys back then where very encouraging and supportive.

Correspondent:
So what major challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
My major challenges were finance, how to become a better basketball player and a better person in life, but I over came all these challenges through Christ Jesus, whom I put all my hope and faith in, although it wasn't an easy one for me especially the aspect of finance. I lost my dad 4 years ago, but that didn't make me to stop believing everything was going to be alright hence I kept pushing and praying.
Correspondent:
Oh!! Our deepest condolence to you and your folks.
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Thank you!!


Correspondent:
How has basketball influenced your education before you secured this scholarship?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Basketball has really helped influence my education in so many ways, back then before I gained admission into BIU I go to places where educated people and some of the major top people in Nigeria are to gain/tap knowledge from them without any charges just because I am a basketball player. And it has really made me outspoken and able to express myself publicly when required.
Correspondent:
Impressive!! What do your close pals (friends) think of your basketball/educational success thus far?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
They think it is a very great achievement for me to play the game I really love and gaining education through it
Correspondent:
Nice!! So, how do you handle missing out on activities with your close friends due to tight game schedules during the league and practice or workout?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
I really don't feel bad because practicing or having a tight schedule surely are for my own betterment
Correspondent:
But do your friends understand that you have to be a way to attend to something urgent & important?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Yes, they all understand because most of them are basketball players
Correspondent:
Oh!! Really? That is nice....
Correspondent:
Sports people are expected to eat healthy foods to be in top shape. Tell us, what foods do you love so much but you had to give them up especially when you are training or preparing for a major competition?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
I give up most foods during major competitions especially Fufu because it makes me heavy during practice or while playing
Correspondent:
What life skills (respect, hard work, teamwork, time management, goal setting, leadership, communication etc) has basketball reinforced in your everyday life?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Basketball has helped influence my everyday life, mentally, financially, educationally even spiritually. It has really thought me a lot of things in life, how to talk to people, being a good leader, working hard for what I want and respecting myself and others
Correspondent:
Thus far, have you ever had issues with any of your teammates? If yes, how did you handle or resolve the issue?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
I have never had any serious issue with any of my teammate, it was just a minor misunderstanding and I always went back to explain and get the issue resolved

Correspondent:
Tell us a little about your best teammate. What makes her special?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
The best teammate I ever had is Nene Okpe, although she is no longer in my team. Nene is a kind of person who is selfless, she thinks of a way to make her teammates look good on and off the court, she is a kind of player that can actually give her last money to anyone who is in need of it at that moment. Nene has always been an inspiration to me, her impacts in me remains indelible

Correspondent:
In few words, describe your first coach and the current one.
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
My first coach is a man that can leave his home very early in the morning just to train his players and always check up on the ones that couldn't make it to training and also make sure they come to practice the next day.
My current coach on the other hand is a woman who encourages her player to do what's best for them, she looks after her players just like a mother will do to her children and she has our best interest at heart
Correspondent:
Has your coach ever pressured you to perform on the court during a particular game?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Yes, mostly when I am having a bad day and my team is down
Correspondent:
We know this will be a little emotional for you, apologies ok. What role has your parents or care givers played in your sport so far?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
My parents mostly my dad is the reason why I still play this game today, he stood by me when everyone else gave up on me, he also thought me how to go for what I really want no matter what it will cost and he always ensured I have everything I needed to play
Correspondent:
Very touching!! We strongly believe that every time you step on the court for a game or even right now he is cheering you to go all out and be the best you are created to be.....
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Oh yes!! I believe so too
Correspondent:
Can you recall if him or any of your siblings ever showed up for your game in  person?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Yes my folks always come around to cheer me up anytime I have a game at the stadium in Asaba right from my Milo days till date though my dad only did twice before he passed on.
Correspondent:
Nice!! In your opinion, what are the major challenges female basketball players in Nigeria and other African Countries face as regards education and basketball?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
In Nigeria/Africa, most female basketball players face financial challenges while some of them just don't want to go to school because they think they are already making their money and they also think schooling will reduce their opportunities to go for competitions


Correspondent:
What type of support do you look forward to from the Nigerian Government or National Basketball Federation?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
The National basketball federation should at least help out in any way they can mostly financially to support players who don't have anyone to sponsor their education but are really eager to further their education or offer them scholarships based on partnership with Nigerian Universities.


Correspondent:
What are your 5 years aspirations in line with basketball and education?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
I aspire to graduate with good grades in school, play basketball professionally and giving back not only to my community but to Nigeria as a whole


Correspondent:
Do you have basketball heroes? If yes, what are their names?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Mayo Moore she is really a player I look to play more than in the future
Correspondent:
Wow!! She is outstanding
Ifumnaya Ijeh: Oh Yes
Correspondent:
Any D'tigress player on your list of heroes?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Ezenne Kalu


Correspondent:
What cogent advise do you have for your fellow female basketball players and upcoming ones?
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Pray, be humble and train without season
Correspondent:
Ifumnaya, thanks for your audience, it a pleasure talking with you. We wish you all the best in your endeavors. Stay safe & inspired. Cheers!!
Ifumnaya Ijeh:
Thank you very much