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Robert Onyeani opens up on inspiration behind Ahudiyannem Queens’ birth, big dreams
By Samuel Ahmadu
Dr. Robert Daniel Onyeani, says the establishment of Ahudiyannem Queens was inspired by his late mother and driven by his desire to combine philanthropy with football development in Abia State and beyond.
Onyeani, an Abiriba-born businessman and philanthropist, explained that naming both his men’s and women’s teams Ahudiyannem was his way of immortalizing his mother, whom he lost in 2013.
“Ahudiyannem is for my mother, Ahudiya. At the beginning, my love for God was about 20 percent, but she made me love God 100 percent. To do something for my mother has to be through football,” Onyeani said.
The Ahudiyannem men’s side was founded three years ago, while the women’s team followed a year later. In just three years of existence, both teams have already won the Abia FA Cup. The women’s side, Ahudiyannem Queens, has now gained promotion to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership.
“When you are doing something without results, it is always painful. My target from the beginning has been to play in the top flight and take the team to Africa. Ahudiyannem Queens has come to stay.
“If you told someone two years ago that we would play in the Premiership, they wouldn’t believe it. But we thank God we are here today,” he noted.
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Looking ahead, Onyeani said his vision is not only to win trophies but also to nurture grassroots talent and expose them to global opportunities.
Popularly known as Roco, also revealed ongoing investments in facilities, including a new stadium and a football academy, expected within the next year.
“What are our aims? To win more trophies in Nigeria and Africa, and at the same time create talents from the grassroots and expose them to other parts of the world. Once that is happening, they will ask where they are coming from. Ahudiyannem Queens from Abiriba. I will be happy watching my products play globally,” he declared.
“Next year, we will see a different pitch and stadium. We are also working on an academy for both male and female players. Hopefully within 12 months, it will be ready,” he said.
While expressing concern over the lack of sponsorship for women’s football in Nigeria, Onyeani urged corporate organizations to identify with the NWFL as they do in other African countries.
“Nobody forced me into this. It is something I love doing, and I would give my best. Ahudiyannem Queens is for God, for my mother, and for the future of football in Abiriba and Nigeria,” he concluded.
