Amuneke: Heartland will continue to seek improvement

Heartland FC Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, has revealed that ensuring that the Naze Millionaires is transformed and regain its good old days status is foremost to him than a quick fix that will only bring temporary solution.

Amuneke told Heartland Media that the 1-0 defeat to Kwara United in Ilorin on NPFL Matchday 14, Amuneke was caused by his players loss of concentration but noted that they must continue to work at improving the team.

Reflecting on the Naze Millionaires’ slow start to the season, Amuneke noted the absence of a proper pre-season preparation due to the tragic accident that claimed the life of their then chief coach, Christian Obi. He added that Heartland’s squad is predominantly composed of young, inexperienced players who are being nurtured to grow into competitive professionals.

“Before the 2024/2025 season started, we couldn’t have a pre-season because of the unfortunate accident in which we lost one of our coaches. May his soul rest in peace,” Amuneke told Heartland Media.

“Most of our players are young and have never played in the NPFL, but I believe in giving opportunities for growth. Nothing in life happens without a process.”

The former Super Eagles winger and 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup title-winning coach reiterated his life philosophy, saying, “I’m not interested in the destination; my focus is on the journey because the journey leads to the destination.”

The loss to Kwara United ended Heartland’s five-match unbeaten streak, with Emmanuel Ogbole’s 21st-minute strike proving decisive. Amuneke attributed the defeat to a momentary lapse in concentration but praised his team’s overall performance.

“It was a tough game. We conceded due to a lack of concentration, but our performance was impressive,” he said. “We hit the woodwork twice and created decent chances. Today, luck wasn’t on our side.”

Heartland’s appeals for penalties in the second half, after forward Suraj Lawal was twice brought down in the box, were waved away by the referee. Amuneke refrained from criticising the officiating but called for higher standards in Nigerian football.

Amuneke added: “If we want our football to grow, we must raise the standards at all levels. Football isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about building the capacity to compete.”

Heartland now sit 12th in the NPFL table with 17 points from 14 matches. They will host Nasarawa United, currently 18th with 15 points, in a Matchday 15 fixture at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Meanwhile, Kwara United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Heartland FC in their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Matchday 14 clash at the Kwara State Sports Complex, Ilorin.

The Harmony Boys leading scorer, Emmanuel Ogbole’s first-half header proved to be the difference in a game that saw both teams create chances but lacking clinical finishing.

The hosts started brightly, dominating possession and pinning Heartland back in the early exchanges. Their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when a floated free kick from the left through Shola Abdulraheem found Ogbole unmarked in the box. His towering header left Heartland goalkeeper Ebuka Nwokoecha with no chance, despite the stopper having parried Ogbole’s earlier attempt. It was a well-deserved opener for Kwara United, who had been piling on the pressure.

Heartland, known as the Naze Millionaires, were slow out of the blocks but gradually found their footing midway through the first half. They began to look threatening, particularly from set pieces, but failed to convert their opportunities. A slick passing move in the 37th minute nearly brought them level, only for Kwara United’s goalkeeper, Nurudeen Badmus to produce a vital save to maintain his side’s lead. Despite finishing the half strongly, Heartland went into the break trailing 1-0.

The second half kicked off with Kwara United once again on the front foot, catching Heartland off guard. The visitors appeared unsettled but eventually grew into the game. However, their inability to capitalize on promising situations proved costly. The best chance of the half fell to Suraj Lawal in the 76th minute, but he blasted his effort high over the bar when unmarked inside the box.

Controversy struck in the 82nd minute when Heartland appealed for a penalty, claiming a handball in the Harmony Boys’ box, but the referee waved play on. Frustration mounted for the visitors as Kwara United expertly managed the closing stages, employing delay tactics to disrupt Heartland’s rhythm. The hosts’ game management was exemplary, and they comfortably saw out the match.