‘ The masses can support teams, buy merchandise, buy tickets to games and so on, which fuels mass consumer sponsorship. But first they have to understand the sport and they have to watch it with interest, not as a weekend opportunity to sip champagne while backing the game. It’ s also a way to get new people into polo – which makes me happy.’
While she isn’ t playing polo full-time anymore, Neku is still taking on exhibition games and will be playing some of the European season captaining Team Cointreau.
‘ I am an ambassador for Cointreau, which supports women in creative entrepreneurship to empower them to follow their dreams’ – a cause close to Neku’ s heart –‘ but I don’ t play seasons anymore, as my focus is on being an access to the sport at home, and working – and now learning – about the tech scene.’
At just 28 years old, her list of achievements and accolades is extraordinary( the latest being that she was named as one of Africa’ s most promising entrepreneurs on Forbes Africa’ s‘ 30 under 30’ list earlier this year). And did we mention she owns a hotel? Her small boutique hotel is situated in Abuja and is aptly named‘ Bamboo’.
Yet Uneku Atawodi remains grounded, humble and as inspiring as ever. Professional polo might be on the back-burner but there’ s no sign of this dynamic and passionate go-getter slowing down anytime soon. ■
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