Technical Manager of Heartland FC, Emmanuel Amuneke (MFR), was ecstatic after his side ended their 2024/2025 NPFL winless run with an emphatic 2-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Sunday, Completesports.com reports.
Debutant Michael Ogu netted a brace, scoring in each half, as the Naze Millionaires celebrated their first win of the season. In contrast, it was Tornadoes’ first defeat of the campaign.
Amuneke, a former African Player of the Year, praised his young team for their hard work, patience, and determination, stressing that the victory would boost the players’ confidence as they prepare to face El-Kanemi Warriors in this Sunday’s Matchday-6 fixture.
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The former FC Barcelona winger told Completesports.com that the league is a ‘marathon’ and not a ‘100-metre race’.
Heartland players celebrate one of Michael Ogu’s two goals against Niger Tornadoes at Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri. Credit: @HeartlandFC_ng (X)
The former Tanzania national team coach highlighted Heartland’s first win as a ‘turning point’ for better days ahead, adding that the team remains focused on rebuilding with young players who will lead the club in the future.
“First of all, I think I have to congratulate the players. Every single one of them put in a brave effort to ensure we came out victorious today,” said the FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG) member.
“You know, the league is like a ‘marathon’. When you lose points or games, it can unsettle the team. But we are determined and focused on achieving our objectives.”
Amuneke continued: “When you look at Heartland last season, a lot happened. Many of the players are no longer with us because they have moved on.
“So, this time, we are focusing on bringing in younger players who can serve the club long-term.
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“We all understand that rebuilding takes time before results start to show. I’m happy for the players and the people of Imo State. We deserve this moment of joy.
“We’ve played five games so far, including this one (against Tornadoes); we lost three, drew one, and won one. This could be a turning point. We will go back, review our performance, and identify areas for improvement, knowing that as a team, mistakes are inevitable.
“For me, those moments of mistakes matter a lot, and we need to correct them and move forward. Overall, I’m pleased with today’s win, as it gives us relief heading into our next game against El-Kanemi Warriors,” The 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach with Nigeria concluded.
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Source: www.completesports.com
