In this interview, Amaka Onusiriuka-Agbodike, mother of an 11-year-old Nigerian Gold medalist and gymnast, Stephanie, shares the untold story of how her daughter became an African Champion, with Quest Times’ AROGBONLO ISRAEL.
How would you describe your daughter Stephanie flying Nigeria’s flag at the Africa Gymnastics Championships in Pretoria, South Africa?
Stephanie is born ready for Gymnastics. I am so happy she represented Nigeria well at the Championships in Pretoria.
What makes her victory unique?
Her victory at the just-concluded Africa Gymnastics Championships is unique because of her age. She is 11 and can do all the amazing skills.
It is believed that a number of Nigerian parents would rather want their children to be doctors or lawyers than see them venture into sports. Did you and your husband ever kick against Stephanie’s dream of becoming a gymnast?
Stephanie actually started gymnastics on her own when she was 2. We noticed her unique way of doing things differently, and we nurtured her talent by encouraging her because gymnastics is what she wants to do.
How were you able to raise funds for her?
The Minister of Sports Sunday Dare supported her with some funds. Allen Onyema, the CEO of Airpeace, also sponsored our tickets to South Africa. We (the parents) also supported her massively.
Is Stephanie your only child who took to sports in the family?
I have Four (4) children and they are all into Sports. Stephanie is the first child. The second is Victor, who plays football; the third Valerie is a sprinter (track and field) while the fourth David (the baby of the house) is also into football. The BBC did a documentary on them as a sports family.
The Sports Minister Sunday Dare in his congratulatory message, commended your laudable contributions towards Stephanie’s growth. Tell us more about Stephanie’s career.
Stephanie has grown so fast in her gymnastics career. She started gymnastics as a professional career 3 years ago. She got her first Gold medal in South Africa when she was 8 years old. She also competed at the Youth Games Ilorin 2019 where she got a Bronze. And competed at the National Sports Festival Edo where she got 1 Gold, 2 Silver, and 1 bronze, and was named the second-best all-round gymnast in Nigeria. Recently, she got another Gold medal in South Africa. She has another competition this Saturday, August 20th in South Africa and I believe she will get Nigeria another Gold medal.
Your advice to Nigerian parents who have kids like Stephanie but would rather want them to be doctors or lawyers than pursue their dreams in sports?
I advise Nigerian parents to encourage their kids when they notice any sporty behaviour in them. I am a living example. I did sports in school, no one told me I could continue with sports, instead I was told to go study Banking and Finance. I noticed all my kids like different types of sports; all we did was to encourage them full time.