Dr Robert Onyeani, the Proprietor of Ahudiyannem FC says his dream of breaking the duopoly between Abia Warriors and Enyimba in the State FA Cup has come true. An elated Dr Onyeani could not contain his joy as he attributed this success to God.
The non league side showed tremendous courage to stun the two-time CAF Champions League winners and lift the FA Cup for the first time in their history, a feat which Dr Onyeani says is the handiwork of God.
“We just thank God. God of my spiritual mentor, David Ibiyomie. You know I told my boys to go and pray and God has done it. From eighteen minutes [red card] to 90 minutes, we played 10 men against 11.”
Ahudiyannem were reduced to 10 men in the first half but the team showed character and purpose, withstanding pressure from the People’s Elephants to push the game to penalties and coming off victorious, fulfilling the Proprietor’s wish and lifting the trophy. Dr Onyeani speaks about this dream.
“I told you I’m going to win the trophy and I said give me two or three years, I’m going to win it. There is no how it will be going from Abia Warriors to Enyimba. I said I would break it. Have I not done it?”
“We are going to Pro League. By the time we get into the league, we will hold this trophy for three years. This trophy, three years I’ll hold it, they will not see it.”
His presence at the stadium was a huge boost for the boys as his presence made a huge impact. He revealed why he appeared in their game for the first time.
“Have you seen me before? I’ve not come to a match. I knew it was going to be like this, after praying I had to appear here so that God will recognize me and say ‘because of you, I will be merciful.’
The Abiriba side will join Enyimba to represent the state in the President Federation Cup for the second time in their history.