Businessman, philanthropist, and football enthusiast Dr. Robert Daniel Onyeani, popularly known as Roco, has explained his decision to host the 2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship in Abiriba and Umuahia, Abia State.

Onyeani, chairman of Ahudiyannem Football Club, said the hosting rights were both a personal conviction and a tribute to his late mother, who passed away in 2013.

“I would give glory to God Almighty for this great opportunity. To be honest, I am very happy to host the NWFL Championship in Abiriba, my hometown.

“I decided to do this because of my mother, who I lost in 2013. I named the club Ahudiyannem Football Club for the male and Ahudiyannem Queens for the female in her honour,” Onyeani told NigeriaFootball.ng.

He described the tournament as a divine opportunity not just to honour his mother but also to unite Abians, spread peace, and showcase Abiriba to the rest of Nigeria.

“You see the crowd at the stadium happy. About 17 teams from different states came to Abiriba and Umuahia. It was a great opportunity to honour my mother and also to preach peace to Abians, Abiriba, and Nigerians,” he added.

Onyeani, who previously worked with Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens before venturing fully into business in 2007, returned to football three years ago with a mission to give back to society. In that time, Ahudiyannem’s men’s and women’s teams have already lifted the Abia State FA Cup.

His ultimate goal, however, is to see the club compete at the highest levels.

“My target from the beginning has been to play in the top flight and eventually compete in Africa. Today, the women are heading to the Premiership, and we are preparing ourselves for what is before us,” he stated.

While celebrating the progress, Onyeani also voiced concerns about the lack of corporate backing for women’s football in Nigeria.

“I don’t know why we have big corporate companies, and none are ready to identify with the NWFL. In Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, the women’s league has sponsors. It is disturbing. Corporate bodies must come out if we want football to grow,” he warned.

Beyond competitions, Roco is also investing in infrastructure and youth development. He disclosed plans for a football academy and upgraded stadium facilities within the next 12 months.

“Next year, we will see a different pitch and stadium. Hopefully, within 12 months, the academy will be ready. Once our players start getting exposed to the world, people will ask where they are coming from, and the answer will be Ahudiyannem Queens of Abiriba,” he said.

With his passion, resources, and vision, Onyeani is positioning both his hometown and the NWFL Championship as platforms for football growth and community development in Nigeria.