Comedian Whale Mouth Shares His Love for Football and Manchester United

Stand-up comedian, Usiaphe Kevin, popularly known as Whale Mouth, talks about how sports shaped his childhood and his support for Ugheli Rovers, Ikorodu City, and Manchester United in this chat with ABIODUN ADEWALE

You’re known mainly for comedy, but how do you see your connection with sports? When did your love for sports start?

Apart from comedy, I really love sports, especially football. I support teams from different leagues. In Nigeria, I back a team in the NLO. My love for sports began when I was young, especially during USA ‘96, Atlanta ‘96, and France ‘98. I started supporting Manchester United when Eric Cantona and David Beckham were playing. I remember telling my dad in JSS1 that I would only wear Manchester United jerseys. In Spain, I support Real Madrid. Growing up in Nigeria, there were many footballers around me. I have childhood friends who played professionally with Julius Berger, Delta Glass, and more. I still enjoy football and can watch any match, even street games or in Kuwait. I didn’t play football because our parents didn’t support it. I still remember a time when we played monkey posts with our sandals as goalposts. After the game, I lost my sandals and went to school barefoot for a whole week.

Who were the sports stars you admired as a child, either in Nigeria or abroad, and what did you like about them?

I really liked Eric Cantona for his passion and energy. Then there was David Beckham because of his style and lifestyle. And of course, the greatest of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo. In Nigeria, I looked up to Celestine Babayaro. If I wasn’t a Manchester United fan already, I might have switched to Chelsea because of him. I also enjoyed watching Tijani Babangida, Nwankwo Kanu, and others.

Did you ever think you could play sports professionally, or was it just for fun?

When I was younger, I played street football and even tried basketball for a while. After my sandals incident, I turned to board games and indoor games. Now I am really good at Scrabble, chess, and even Ludo. Funny enough, if I stand among footballers, you might think I am one because I have their legs.

As a comedian, do you see any similarities between comedy and sports?

I see a lot of similarities between comedy and sports. Both are about performance and delivering. In football, you don’t need to be the striker to be the Player of the Match. For comedians, even if you’re not the first to perform, you still have to make people laugh. There are audiences waiting for you to perform. There are many similarities, but the money is different. If football offered good money, I would consider leaving comedy for it.

Which Nigerian sports team or athlete do you feel most connected to, and what memorable moment do you have with them?

When it comes to Nigerian athletes, I have a special connection with Divine Oduduru. He is not just a friend but also a brother. When someone from your village succeeds, you feel proud. I remember when he came second behind Usain Bolt in that race and said, “I never expected.” While some laughed at his English, I was celebrating my brother.

What Nigerian teams do you support and why?

I also have strong feelings for the club I support in Nigeria, Ughelli Rovers. Right now, all my jerseys are Ughelli Rovers' jerseys. I can’t recall the last time I wore a Manchester United jersey. I also like Ikorodu City FC. I always check for their updates and hope they will win the league one day. I have a sentimental connection because I lived in Ikorodu when I came to Lagos.

How has your fan experience with Manchester United changed over the years?

With Manchester United, I have no bragging rights anymore. Since Sir Alex left, it has been from one manager to another, and most haven’t delivered. I just hope Carrick can lead us to do better this season, especially since we are back in the Champions League after some time. We hope for improvement.

Have you ever watched your favourite club live? How was that experience? If not, do you plan to?

Whenever I go to the UK, I make sure to visit Old Trafford. I have watched Ughelli Rovers play, and they always win. I was the MC at their launch and did it for free. I haven’t seen Ikorodu City play live yet, but I plan to soon.

Sports fandom can be emotional and funny. What is the craziest or funniest thing you’ve done or seen a fan do because of a sporting event?

I almost hurt myself supporting United during the 2008 Champions League final. I was running out of the viewing centre when I crashed into a glass door. The glass broke, and I got hurt in the process.