– missing the podium finish was painful
Imo Grasshoppers HC player, Udochukwu Ohaekwe shared with www.aclsports.com that her husband (Chigozie Nkwopara) has been her biggest supporter since her return to handball after giving birth to twins.
Ohaekw who won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) revealed that missing out on the third-place finish at the 2024 Ardova Handball Premier League was especially painful.
From financial struggles within her team to balancing the demands of motherhood and her career, the Imo Grasshoppers player has had to overcome countless obstacles. Ohaekwe has become a role model for aspiring athletes, especially women, showing that perseverance and a strong support system can help you push through even the toughest times.
In an exclusive interview www.aclsports.com, Ohaekwe opens up about the highs and lows of her journey, sharing her thoughts on what it takes to succeed in sports and life, and offering advice to the next generation of athletes.
Aclsports: You were named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2024 Ardova Premier League. How does that feel?
Ohaekwe: Thank you, I appreciate it; I feel so proud of myself. This time, the feeling is different; it’s a reflection of the journey I’ve been through to get here. There are so many young athletes out there, each doing their best, so I feel proud of the fight I put in to get this far.
It’s not just about the MVP for me. This victory represents the support I’ve received from my coaches, teammates, family, and especially my husband. They’ve all believed in me, even when I doubted myself. This is as much their achievement as it is mine.
Aclsports: Was there a specific moment in your career that stands out as especially challenging?
Ohaekwe: I was devastated when we missed out on a podium finish at one of the competitions. Anyone on the Imo Grasshoppers team at that time knew what was at stake; it was a lot. When we lost, I cried. I’ve lost matches in that league before, but none hurt as much as that third-place spot we missed. It really stung.
Aclsports: You’ve mentioned the importance of having supportive teammates. Can you explain what you mean by that?
Ohaekwe: Absolutely. Sometimes, as players, you need teammates who act as your personal cheerleaders. These are the people who believe in you even when you doubt yourself. They understand that everyone has bad days, and instead of bringing you down, they encourage you. That kind of support is vital for any team. You can have the best players in the world, but if they’re competing with each other instead of lifting each other up, it can be tough to win.
Aclsports: In your experience, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing your team right now?
Ohaekwe: In my opinion, the biggest challenge is financial constraints. People often say the Grasshoppers need to develop new players to replace the older ones, but that’s difficult without the necessary resources.
When I started, I would walk into Coach Ferdinand Emeanaa’s office, and he’d give me a small amount of money that would last for days. But now, there are no allowances anymore, which makes it difficult to keep players motivated. Without financial support, many young players lose interest.
Aclsports: How do you manage to balance your love for handball with your responsibilities at home?
Ohaekwe: It’s been a struggle, honestly. But I try my best to balance it out. I love my family, and I love handball too. When I’m not playing, it feels like something big is missing. But with a growing family and a demanding career, it’s not always easy. Leaving home to play in the league when my twins were only six months old was incredibly difficult.. I’m an overprotective partner, so I tend to overthink everything, always considering the worst-case scenario. But my husband understands because he’s a sportsman too. Without his support, it would have been much more difficult.
Aclsports: Speaking of your husband, how has he supported you in your career?
Ohaekwe: My husband (Chigozie Nkwopara, a National volleyball player) has been amazing. He’s been incredibly supportive throughout my career. I think he understands the demands of sports because he’s also an athlete. If he wasn’t a sportsman, I don’t think he’d be as understanding. He has allowed me to pursue my dreams while knowing our family is in good hands. His support has been key to my ability to focus on my career without guilt.
Aclsports: You’ve played for various international teams. Can you tell us about that experience?
Ohaekwe: I’ve had the privilege of playing internationally for teams like Nziko HC in Cameroon, Phœnix in Gabon, Holon HC in Israel, and Africa Sports HC in Abidjan. Each of these experiences shaped my career in unique ways. No matter where I go, the love for my family and handball keeps me grounded.
Aclsports: What advice would you give to aspiring athletes, especially women, who look up to you?
Ohaekwe: My advice would be to never give up, no matter the obstacles. The journey is never easy, but perseverance pays off. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and never let self-doubt hold you back. And most importantly, balance your passion with your life—family and friends are just as important as your career. If you have the right support system, you can overcome anything.
Aclsports: What’s next for you in your career?
Ohaekwe: I’m taking things one step at a time. I want to keep growing, keep improving, and continue to inspire others. I’m also passionate about helping young players develop and giving back to the sport that has given me so much. The journey isn’t over, and I’m excited to continue growing, improving, and inspiring others along the way.
