Emmanuel Amuneke Says Heartland Are Ready For Enyimba

Heartland coach Emmanuel Amuneke has expressed strong belief in his team’s capabilities as they prepare to take on Enyimba in their first match of the 2024-2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri this Sunday.

Despite being relegated last season, Heartland secured reinstatement to the top flight following the disqualification of Beyond Limits Football Academy by the NPFL board due to their failure to comply with the league’s ownership regulations.

The Naze Millionaires concluded their preparations for the upcoming season by clinching the Dan Anyim Cup in Owerri, defeating Kun Khalifat FC 2-1 in the final with goals from Samuel Wisdom and Benjamin Victor.

Amuneke, who assumed the managerial role in August, shared his thoughts ahead of their season opener, saying, “We will be prepared for Enyimba. In football, actions speak louder than words. We will regroup, analyze the team, and be ready for the challenge.”

Highlighting the team’s transition, he added, “This is a team that is still evolving; many players from last season have departed, and we have introduced new players. I am pleased with their performance. Experience is gained through consistent effort; it is not something innate.”

Note that Heartland have unveiled 30 new players for the upcoming campaign. They secured four consecutive NPFL titles from 1987 to 1990. They reached the finals of the 1988 African Cup of Champions Clubs and the 2009 CAF Champions League.