Dr. Robert Daniel Onyeani says the inspiration behind the establishment of Ahudiyannem Queens was his late mother, Ahudiya, and his passion to blend philanthropy with football development in Abia State and beyond.

The Abiriba-born businessman and philanthropist revealed that naming both his men’s and women’s clubs 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 explained.

The Ahudiyannem men’s side was established three years ago, while the women’s team followed a year later. In that short period, both teams have already won the Abia FA Cup. Most recently, Ahudiyannem Queens secured promotion to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership, marking a historic milestone.

Onyeani, popularly known as Roco, described the achievement as proof of the project’s growth and a stepping stone for even bigger ambitions.

“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 said.

Looking ahead, Onyeani emphasized that his vision goes beyond winning trophies. He wants Ahudiyannem Queens to become a hub for talent discovery and development, creating pathways for young players to shine on the global stage.

“Our aim is 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.

To support this dream, the philanthropist is investing heavily in infrastructure. Plans are already underway for a new stadium and football academy, set to be completed within the next year.

“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 added.

While celebrating the rapid rise of Ahudiyannem Queens, Onyeani expressed concern over the lack of sponsorship for women’s football in Nigeria. He urged corporate organizations to identify with the NWFL just as companies 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.