Heartland of Owerri’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, MFR, has stated that the Naze Millionaires will first savour the joy of their hard-fought win over Sunshine Stars in a Match Day 11 clash before shifting focus to the Match Day 12 trip to Kano Pillars, Completesports.com reports.
Christian Nkwo opened his season’s account with a stunning strike of extraordinary quality just eight minutes after kick-off, securing Heartland a third consecutive win of the season.
The gritty contest kept fans on the edge until the final whistle, with Amuneke cutting the figure of a highly delighted manager afterwards.
With a trip to Kano Pillars ahead, and news circulating that Sai Masu Gida has requested permission from the NPFL to return to their Kano Pillars Stadium after a prolonged stint at Mohammed Dikko Stadium in Katsina, the 1994 AFCON winner emphasised the importance of the team “enjoying the moment” of the win against Sunshine Stars before focusing on the fixture with Kano Pillars.
“Let’s first savour the joy of today’s win against Sunshine Stars,” responded the Chile 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach with Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets.
“Let us enjoy the moment and then, from tomorrow (Monday) or next (Tuesday), we’ll start to look at the Kano Pillars game.
“We’ll also assess the players; look at those who are likely to be available.
“But today, I think I’m happy that we won, and I’m also happy that Imolites came out in numbers to support the team. We hope this good run continues because it’s not an individual issue; it’s a collective effort—the fans, players, management, we the coaches, and the media.
“We’re all working to reposition the team and, hopefully, by His grace, I think things will improve.”
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Sunday’s victory marked Heartland’s third consecutive league win, following important triumphs over Niger Tornadoes, Remo Stars, and Abia Warriors, catapulting the five-time champions to 9th in the standings with 15 points from 11 matches.
Reflecting on the intense contest against the Owena Whales, Amuneke acknowledged it was a “tough” game but expressed satisfaction that his team emerged victorious.
“We’re happy. It was really tough. The goal of playing and winning your games is to keep progressing as a team.
“We’ve worked very hard and are pleased to have claimed nine points from three consecutive games. I think this will help us move out of the danger zone and also enable us to plan for the next game against Kano Pillars. Overall, I’m happy.”
When asked if the consecutive wins reflect his ‘process’ philosophy, the former Tanzania coach tacitly affirmed.
“I’ve always emphasised the journey, not the destination,” began the Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA-born manager.
“But, of course, when you’re building something, those around you may not always see your vision or agree with you. It’s all part of the journey.
“You have to respect their opinions. But the most important thing is that I’m happy the players are progressing. Today’s game was very challenging.
“And don’t forget, we also played against a coach who has previously managed here (Heartland). I think he understands Heartland very well, and he was successful here. Many people still admire him.
“So, for us, winning the game is what counts. Sometimes, you may not play brilliantly, but being effective is key. We managed to score our goal, defend as a team, and achieve our objective.”
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Super Eagles invitee, Ik Mgbemena, appeared slightly off-colour and was substituted midway through the first half, as was Wisdom Samuel. Amuneke explained his reasoning.
“Well, we’re a team, not just individuals. Each player brings something unique, and when we observe that a player is not performing as expected, we consider others to ensure stability,” explained the former FC Barcelona winger.
“And, of course, representing the National Team is a pride for Heartland and the players. Being called to serve your country is a huge honour.
“We’re happy for the players, but they also understand the importance of continually improving, both individually and as a team.
“So, we’re proud of them. It’s essential for us to keep believing in ourselves, the team, and the players. I can encourage them, but ultimately, that confidence must come from within.”
By Sab Osuji
Got what it Takes?
Predict and Win Millions Now
De Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is momenteel in volle gang en er zijn enkele teams die indruk maken met hun prestaties. Een van die teams is Heartland, dat onder leiding staat van coach Emmanuel Amuneke.
Heartland heeft onlangs zijn derde opeenvolgende overwinning behaald in de NPFL en lijkt in topvorm te zijn. De ploeg heeft een sterke verdediging en een dodelijke aanval, waardoor ze moeilijk te verslaan zijn. Amuneke, die zelf een voormalig voetballer is en bekend staat om zijn tactische kennis, heeft de ploeg goed weten te organiseren en motiveren.
Na de overwinning op Enyimba, heeft Heartland nu zijn zinnen gezet op de confrontatie met Kano Pillars, een andere sterke tegenstander in de competitie. Amuneke en zijn spelers weten dat dit een zware wedstrijd zal worden, maar ze zijn vastbesloten om hun winnende reeks voort te zetten en de drie punten te pakken.
Amuneke zelf geniet van het succes van zijn team, maar blijft nederig en gefocust op het verbeteren van de prestaties. Hij weet dat er nog veel wedstrijden te spelen zijn en dat ze elke tegenstander serieus moeten nemen. Hij benadrukt het belang van teamwork en discipline om succesvol te zijn in de competitie.
De fans van Heartland zijn enthousiast over de prestaties van hun team en kijken reikhalzend uit naar de wedstrijd tegen Kano Pillars. Ze geloven dat Amuneke en zijn spelers in staat zijn om de overwinning binnen te halen en hun positie aan de top van de ranglijst te versterken.
Al met al belooft de confrontatie tussen Heartland en Kano Pillars een spannende wedstrijd te worden, waarbij beide teams alles zullen geven om als winnaar uit de strijd te komen. Het belooft een boeiend seizoen te worden in de NPFL, met Heartland als een van de teams om in de gaten te houden.
