Makanjuola Oluwafunmilayo, a seasoned athlete representing Delta State, has shared her journey and reflections after competing in Abula, one of Nigeria’s traditional sports, at the just concluded 22nd National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Having made her debut at the Bauchi 2000 edition, Oluwafunmilayo revealed that she has been a regular face at the festival for more than 21 years. Her passion for sports and national competition has kept her going strong across two decades.
“It’s been wonderful. It’s been awesome. It’s a glorious experience. I really enjoyed it.”
At this year’s edition, she and her team clinched a silver and a bronze medal, a testament to their hard work and perseverance—despite the tough challenges they faced.
“For you to be a champion, you have to train hard. It’s not easy. It takes time, discipline, and great effort. We trained daily from morning till the games closed for the day.”
One of the biggest challenges for Oluwafunmilayo was dealing with a knee injury, but her determination kept her going.
“Yes, there were challenges, especially from injuries. I had to manage a knee injury all through. But thank God, it was a success. That didn’t stop me from competing or winning.”
She described the entire journey from Asaba to Abeokuta and the experience of being camped with fellow athletes as unforgettable, especially as it had been years since her last competition due to the absence of Abula in Delta 2022.
Now nearing the end of her competitive career, Oluwafunmilayo revealed she is currently undergoing an advanced coaching course at the National Institute for Sports and is preparing to transition into full-time coaching.
“Right now, I’m focused on becoming a coach. After school, I’ll face that career fully.”
While she intends to retire after this festival, Oluwafunmilayo left room for a possible comeback—depending on how younger athletes perform at the next edition.
“If the young ones can meet the standard we’ve set, I’ll retire. But if they fall short, I might have to return.”
Her message to aspiring athletes was firm and encouraging:
“To be a champion is not a day’s job. It takes determination, hard work, and giving it your all like there’s no tomorrow. That’s how you sell yourself to the world.”
With her remarkable journey, Oluwafunmilayo stands as a symbol of resilience, discipline, and dedication—a true inspiration for future generations in traditional sports.
