In this interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE, sensational Yoruba sports commentator, Aderonke Adesola, also known as Olori Sports, discusses carving out a name for herself in the media world with her presentation style.

You rose to prominence in 2022 with your presentation style; how has your career in broadcasting, specifically Yoruba sports commentary, progressed?

Each step along the journey has been significant. In the last two years, I've received a lot of attention since I started posting my work on social media, and it's become something that everyone who watches football on the street and in offices looks forward to. But the journey began in 2016, when I started training with Kola Oladapo (Mr. Nice Guy).

Before that, I grew up with a strong interest in sports, like watching football and listening to sports announcers on the radio. That gave me the confidence to believe in myself.

So, is it reasonable to assume that the lady making headlines with Yoruba sports commentary was influenced by the men on radio?

Yes, Babatunde Saheed, also known as Mr. Sports, was one of the broadcasters I listened to back then. That was during his time on BCOS and Amuludun FM. For sports analysis, I paid close attention to how Olawale Hamzat, better known as Top Striker, did it. I eventually learned the ropes of the work from Kola Oladapo. He was the anchor of Jawonsi, the programme I currently run on Splash FM. He brought me up then and gave me the push to exhibit my potential.

How did you develop your style after learning from some of the greatest Ibadan has to offer?

There are numerous radio stations in Ibadan, and all of them provide Yoruba sports shows that are supposed to compete for the teeming Ibadan audience. We cannot all do the same thing. We all do things the same way, but in order to compete, we must first identify a niche. That's how I made soft bants a staple of my shows. So I start with bant and rhymes and then move on to the presentation, with some analysts joining me to extend the debate.

How do you prepare for your performances?

I do a lot of study and rehearsing. I also script, read often, and start thinking about where to incorporate word plays, proverbs, and everything else that makes Yoruba beautiful. However, how I execute it appears to be simple, but believe me, every minute I spend behind the microphone requires a lot of effort.

Have you ever done a show in English?

No, I haven't, although I've come close with a pidgin presentation I gave a while back.

In two of your recent broadcasts, you feasted on Remo Stars following their derby losses to 3SC and Sporting Lagos; did you take it personally because 3SC was involved?

Emotions aside, I didn't take it personally, but I was intrigued by the history between the teams. Imagine 3SC had not beaten Remo since joining the league, while Sporting Lagos had done so before them. So the jibe was also available for 3SC to catch. It must have hurt Remo Stars fans harder because they lost both derbies; I'm guessing they didn't expect it.

These coaches know you, and some of the players follow you online; how did they respond to these bans?

They all saw it for the soft side it came from, as well as one of the spices our game required. Before the 3SC game, Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede spotted me and joked that he was more terrified of me than 3SC since he knew they would be featured on my show if they lost.

Was your passion of 3SC motivated by the city, as it is for all other fans?

The term "sooting" refers to more than just a club. I believe it is difficult for any child who loves football to grow up in the city without feeling a connection to the club. And, as a traditional club, we are especially happy to be on the same level as Enyimba, Enugu Rangers, Bendel Insurance, and Kano Pillars, the county's largest clubs.

Did you participate in any sports as a child, and did this inspire you to become an athlete?

In elementary and senior school, I was an athlete. I continued to do so while pursuing my National Diploma, and I also played football at a boys' academy. It was quite some flex for me until I realised I didn’t want that life. So, I channelled back my energy into sports presentation and commentary.

So, how has sporting commentary influenced your life?

First and first, I do not consider myself famous, but I will acknowledge that sports commentary has altered my life but not who I am. The individuals around me are a reflection of this. People now see my parents and ask whether it's their daughter who talks football on the radio, and the same goes for my husband. Personally, I've worked on some of the biggest Premier League games, the FIFA men's and women's World Cups for SuperSport, and I've collaborated with a variety of brands.

How do you envision the future of Yoruba sports commentary?

I believe it will continue to grow. Ten years ago, no one would have predicted that Yoruba commentary would be included to the world's major events. SuperSport has heralded this, and it has created so many new options for people like myself. So, there is now ample room for everyone to explore in the game, and it is no longer limited to studio presentations.