NPFL: Emmanuel Amuneke reveals causes behind Heartland’s slow start

By Saheed Afolabi

Heartland FC manager Emmanuel Amuneke has opened up about the factors contributing to the club’s slow start in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The Naze Millionaires secured their first victory of the campaign with a 2-0 triumph over Niger Tornadoes in Owerri, ending a run of disappointing results in their opening three matches.

Amuneke praised the team for rekindling their determination and focus, emphasizing the importance of staying resolute for the rest of the season, promising a key shift in the club’s strategy, revealing that the team is integrating younger players with long-term potential.

“I want to congratulate the team for their effort in getting us to this point,” Amuneke said to media.

“The league is a marathon, and it’s normal to feel frustrated when results don’t go your way early on. But we remain focused on our goals and what we want to achieve.”

Reflecting on the club’s challenges last season, Amuneke noted, “A lot changed at Heartland FC. Many players departed, and we’re now redirecting our path by incorporating younger players who can serve the club for years to come.”

The former Barcelona winger acknowledged that the team is in a period of transition, but he remains optimistic about their potential.

“We all understand that when a team is in a period of rebuilding, progress takes time. We’ll continue to review our performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that we learn from our mistakes.”

Looking ahead, Heartland will be aiming for their first away win of the season when they face 10th-placed El Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri on Sunday, October 13.