Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, an English-French-Nigerian professional rugby player who won a gold medal with the France national rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has visited Nigeria for the first time. In an exclusive interview, he shares his journey, his triple cultural identity, and his mission to inspire the next generation of Nigerian rugby players.
First Visit to Nigeria
Grandidier-Nkanang expressed that this visit holds deep personal significance. He explained that he truly understood the importance of his multiple cultures—English, French, and Nigerian—last year when he was invited to the presidential state dinner during President Bola Tinubu's visit to the Elysée. That moment made him realize his Nigerian roots and the need to explore them.
Navigating a Triple Identity
On paper, he is French, but he grew up in London and feels most British. France gave him the biggest professional opportunities. He carries both a French and a Nigerian name, and now he is keenly aware of his Nigerian heritage, which motivated his visit.
Language and Culture
Unfortunately, he did not learn any Nigerian language growing up, as his father rarely visited Nigeria and did not speak the language. However, food served as a major link to the country. He has since learned to cook jollof rice, egusi, ogbono, and pounded yam, and plans to continue making them in France.
Olympic Gold and Its Impact
Winning the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics was the biggest achievement of his life. He believes the medal legitimizes his message when he talks about his journey, success, determination, and drive, especially when encouraging young Nigerians to take up rugby.
Rugby Journey
He discovered rugby in secondary school and initially struggled, lacking natural ability. He quit for a few years but returned because his friends were playing. A coach's belief in him—telling him he could go professional—was the turning point. He dedicated himself to training, nutrition, and fitness, eventually earning a spot on the French Olympic team.
Advice to Young Nigerians
Nigeria has immense athletic potential, as seen across the diaspora. Rugby's values of respect, camaraderie, discipline, and determination align with Nigerian traits like resilience. The sport demands speed, power, agility, mental strength, and determination, making it ideal for Nigerians. He hopes to see more people embrace it.
Collaboration with Nigeria
He has already collaborated with the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), conducting rugby clinics at the Rugby School in Victoria Island and Surulere, with over 200 children participating. He also attended a rugby sevens tournament organized by the federation. He carries his gold medal everywhere to inspire children and build a connection to the sport.
Diversifying Interests
Apart from rugby, Grandidier-Nkanang is a DJ and studied product design. Music has been a big part of his life, providing an escape during injuries or tough times. He believes in diversifying interests—rugby, music, and golf keep him balanced. While he may not return to product design after retirement, he plans to stay involved in sports.
Sporting Mentors
He admires LeBron James for his longevity, and Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan for their relentless mentality.
Future Plans
He aims to defend his Olympic gold medal at the next Olympics and continue fostering his relationship with Nigeria to grow rugby significantly. He acknowledges that rugby in Nigeria needs funding and infrastructure, which will take time, but he sees massive potential. He praised NRFF Manager Azeez Ladipo for his efforts and called for government and community support.
Grandidier-Nkanang said he has been overwhelmed by the love and warmth he received from Nigerians, making his first visit a memorable and refreshing experience.
