By; Ilekam Ikechukwu (Mr Flakes)
There is no more friendly and busier place in the local community than a football club, where it’s often the hub of activity. Both at football training sessions, during matchdays, families and friends are brought together by this same game.
With the emergence of Ahudiya Nnem FC, a non-league outfit based in the suburb of the ancient Eziama Community and presided by Dr Robert Onyeani, a renowned, experienced football administrator who made impressive headlines in Yenegoa with Bayelsa United, obviously there’s light at the end of the tunnel for football in the city of Aba and Abia State at large.
Football in Abia State has had a downturn in fortunes over the years. From the great days of the 90s when the national team had players from Abia state descent, many of whom were young and spent many years representing the country, the man Dr Robert Onyeani is on a mission to re-establish those memorable tales with the sudden emergence of Ahudiya Nnem FC where some former NPFL players and former national team players have been handed a lifeline for their respective career resuscitation.
Dr Robert Onyeani is magnanimous and leaning on his magnanimity in terms of grassroot football development would benefit the restive youths of our beloved state. A man who discovered the essence of what grassroot development would offer to the city of Aba, he felt compelled to join in setting a path to the future.
His core message as far as football is concerned is that of “Strengthening the bond of understanding and Fostering Unity”, Thus, the state FA should collaborate with the benchmark already set by Dr Robert Onyeani and government at sub-national levels to come up with a grassroot development model capable of returning Abia State to it’s glory days.
Dr Robert Onyeani A.K.A (Roco) needs to be appreciated for his noble idea and rescue mission after decades of grassroot football being stuck in the doldrums.