Dr Robert Onyeani, the CEO of Ahudiyannem FC, has urged important people in Nigerian football to set aside their differences. He wants everyone to come together for the sake of improving football in Nigeria.
Onyeani’s statement follows the recent failures of the Super Falcons and Super Eagles in their attempts to qualify for the World Cup. This comes just as the Nigeria Football Federation prepares for another election that has stirred up some controversy.
The football leader from Abia said that Nigerian football needs togetherness, shared responsibility, and a clear goal if the country wants to regain its spot in the global football scene.
He pointed out that Nigeria's failure to qualify for the last FIFA World Cup was a significant setback for the country’s football reputation. He called it a painful experience that should push everyone involved in football management and development to act.
"Nigerian football stakeholders must come together in unity and bring our football to a greater state once again. There is no need for disagreement because, at the end of the day, it is football that suffers," Onyeani said.
As the NFF election approaches on September 27 in Katsina, the Ahudiyannem FC boss believes that many issues in Nigerian football can be solved by uniting experienced administrators, club owners, coaches, former players, and other stakeholders. They need to work together to create a clear plan for the future.
He also emphasized the need for finding talent, having courage, and being willing to take risks, especially when developing the Super Falcons.
Onyeani said Nigeria has a lot of football talent at the grassroots level. But finding these talents is just the first step. The country must also build the right systems to support these players, give them chances, and trust them when necessary.
His work with Ahudiyannem FC shows his dedication to grassroots football. The club gained attention after winning the 2025 Abia State FA Cup, beating well-known teams like Abia Warriors and Enyimba FC along the way.
He mentioned that the success of a grassroots club against established teams shows that Nigeria has plenty of football talent outside the usual football areas.
Onyeani urged everyone to see the current problems in Nigerian football as a chance to rebuild instead of creating more divisions.
"We must put Nigerian football first. When we disagree among ourselves, it is the players, the clubs, and the entire football system that suffer. Unity is what we need to move Nigerian football forward again," Onyeani added.
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