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Amuneke previews Heartland’s derby clash with Rangers: “We just need to focus and be ready”

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Amuneke previews Heartland’s derby clash with Rangers: “We just need to focus and be ready”

By Wale Mustapha

Ahead of the highly anticipated Oriental derby between Heartland FC and Enugu Rangers, Technical Adviser Emmanuel Amuneke has shared his thoughts on what his team needs to succeed in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The match will take place on Sunday in Owerri, with the Naze Millionaires set to host the reigning NPFL champions.

Amuneke, whose Heartland side is gradually finding its rhythm, emphasized the importance of focus and preparation as they face a formidable Rangers team.

Acknowledging the pedigree and continental experience of their opponents, he stressed the need for his players to be mentally sharp and fully prepared for the challenge.

“Rangers are a strong side, the reigning NPFL champions, and they have continental experience,” Amuneke said.

“But when it comes to an Oriental Derby, it’s about rolling up our sleeves and preparing adequately for the occasion. We’re not obsessed with the game; we just need to focus and be ready.”

As the Naze Millionaires gear up for this crucial encounter, Amuneke’s message is clear: success will come through focused preparation and the right mindset.

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Samuel Ahmadu
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
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