Veteran Nollywood actor, Kunle Afod, has taken a swipe at Arsenal FC, accusing the club of lacking the mentality required to compete for major titles.
In an interview with Raymond Tolulope monitored by Olamide Abe, Afod shared his strong views on football, his lifelong allegiance to Chelsea FC, and his deep-rooted connection to Shooting Stars SC.
Afod described his loyalty to Chelsea and Shooting Stars as a reflection of identity and heritage. According to him, football is deeply tied to culture and origin, stressing that as an indigene of Ibadan, supporting Shooting Stars is non-negotiable.
While acknowledging that both clubs have faced difficult periods, he expressed optimism about their current progress. However, he clarified that Chelsea’s fiercest rivalry is not with Arsenal but with Tottenham Hotspur FC, noting the intensity of fan sentiments at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking on Chelsea’s future, Afod questioned the priorities of the club’s current ownership, suggesting financial interests may outweigh sporting ambition. He drew parallels with Arsenal’s past struggles, arguing that despite recent improvements, the Gunners still lack the mindset of champions.
“Arsenal have a kindergarten mentality,” he said, criticizing their reliance on a mix of young and experienced players without a fully developed winning culture.
Reflecting on his journey as a Chelsea supporter, Afod credited iconic figures such as Ruud Gullit and José Mourinho for shaping his passion. He praised Mourinho’s leadership qualities, describing him as a “director of people” capable of inspiring players to achieve peak performance.
The actor also revisited some of Chelsea’s most memorable moments, including the heartbreak of the 2008 UEFA Champions League final loss to Manchester United FC and the controversial 2009 semi-final against FC Barcelona.
Despite those setbacks, Afod highlighted the club’s resilience, pointing to the historic 2012 Champions League triumph over FC Bayern Munich as a defining high point. He emphasized Chelsea’s never-say-die spirit, insisting the team remains dangerous in finals regardless of form.
