Veronica Chika Iweanya is a bundle of joy to be with. Always smiling and full of excitement, the 24-year-old shared some incredible stories about her life during an Instagram Live session. Currently based in Lille in northern France, the Nigerian basketball star has come a long way in both his career and his sports.
After graduating with a first-class bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from the prestigious Covenant University, in Ota Ogun State, Nigeria, in 2017, he traveled to France for his master’s degree in 2019 and continued his love affair with basketball. Standing at 6 feet (183 cm) tall, the Lagos-born basketball player shared her love for the game. A game she developed a passion for due to the desire of players and coaches to help her develop the skills necessary to excel in the sport.
A defining moment in her basketball career would be at the African Giants international camp in 2018, where she was selected as one of the top 50 girls to attend her first women’s camp in Nigeria. The Masai Ujiri initiative sponsored by Nike and the president of the Toronto Raptors brought together the best coaches from around the world who guided campers in both basketball and life skills. She says Masai always told children to dream big. But what stuck with him was the mantra “I’m a giant!” that echoed throughout the camp. To date, he says that he still says it as a mantra before every game, test, interview, etc.
On the ease of combining her studies and sports activities, Veronica Chika Iweanya confessed how difficult it was for her to adapt initially. The French language was a serious obstacle for him to settle. It was very difficult to settle down with his basketball team as all his classmates and teammates spoke in French. She was forced to learn French and her basketball coach quickly came to her rescue, dedicating an hour before each training day to that end. ‘The incredible support system I found around me made it easy for me to adapt so quickly’
As he mastered the French language, things began to relax a bit and so did his performance on the basketball court. An added incentive was when he got in touch with Nigerian national basketball player Evelyn Akhator, who happened to sign for the French basketball team, Flammes Carolo. The Ardennes-based team signed the exciting center forward in 2019. Veronica, whose ambition is to play for The D’Tigress, has since developed a professional relationship with Evelyn Akhator. She sees her as a mentor and a person who has paid her dues in the game.
The sport has received a good dose of racism and Veronica confirmed from her personal experience that she has been lucky not to experience it in France. Interestingly, during away games with his basketball team, (he found himself fouling more often than when playing at home) fouls are imposed on him more frequently than when playing at home.
When asked about the contentious issue of equal pay for male and female athletes, he expressed his displeasure at the disparity because if female basketball players are expected to perform dunks, for example, they should receive the same pay as their male counterparts. She sees no reason why male athletes should be paid higher, as women even have to traverse more difficult terrain in their careers and sports.
On the French government’s plans to ease the lockdown starting Monday, May 11, and the possibility of sporting activities returning to normal, Veronica expressed her sincere opinion, saying that she would have preferred that the pandemic had been fully clarified sooner. such movements occurred. implemented. Sports like basketball are contact based and the risk level is high, so it would be good, for safety reasons, to ensure that players are not exposed to such a high risk.
It’s easy to name your favorite player, especially when that player has been a great role model for you. Evelyn Akhator is her favorite player (with her inclination for 10 points and 10 rebounds) in every game, Veronica confessed that it greatly influenced her style of play as she also averaged double-doubles in her college career. He also mentioned his stamina and mental toughness as key skills he admired of the Nigerian basketball star. while the Nigerian women’s team – La D’Tigress remains their favorite team. She recalled stories of her during her undergraduate years, causing her entire intern office to watch a D’Tigress game live during office hours where Sarah Ogoke shot a 3-pointer to win in the closing seconds of the Afrobasket tournament a few years ago. years. !
Currently playing with the Stade Roubaisien Basket that competes in the French Basketball Federation (FFBB), he happily shared the news about the completion of his master’s program at EDHEC Business School, Lille, France. The journey has not been easy, but in a message to her fans, she expressed optimism about achieving her goals of playing for the Nigeria women’s team – The D’Tigress, a sentiment I echoed based on the fact that she has the potential. excel at the highest level in running and sports.
One surprising fact about this talented basketball star is that she would have opted for soccer if she hadn’t fallen in love with her first love. You may be wondering what position she would choose on a soccer field. Defense, of course, was the answer. It is not difficult to realize that the attackers would be dealing with a powerful 6 foot defense weighing 67 kg. It is not the most exciting prospect for even the most ambitious attacker. For now, the love affair between Veronica and basketball continues. Tomorrow is full of possibilities and hopefully one will be able to see Veronica Chika Iweanya donning The D’Tigress’s beautiful green white t-shirt!