Amuneke backs Heartland’s NPFL push after Smart City win
Heartland FC Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke has acknowledged the demanding nature of the Nigeria National League (NNL) but insists the Naze Millionaires will continue battling for a return to the
Heartland FC Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke has acknowledged the demanding nature of the Nigeria National League (NNL) but insists the Naze Millionaires will continue battling for a return to the top flight.
The Owerri-based side boosted their promotion ambitions with a convincing 3–1 victory over Smart City FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Saturday, recording their second straight win in the league.
The result followed their earlier 2–1 triumph over Abia Comets, providing renewed momentum for the former Nigeria Premier Football League champions as the campaign gathers pace.
Speaking after the match, Amuneke admitted that life in the second tier has been far from easy but praised his players’ determination to keep pushing.
“The Nigeria National League is a very tough and competitive league. Every team is fighting for something and that makes every game difficult,” Amuneke told the club media.
“For us, the most important thing is to keep believing in what we are doing and keep working hard. We will continue to fight until the end because our objective is to take Heartland back to where the club belongs.”
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Heartland wasted no time asserting themselves in front of their home fans. Just two minutes into the game, Francis Erikan handed the hosts the perfect start with a sublime strike that left the Smart City goalkeeper stranded.
The early goal energized the Naze Millionaires and they continued to press forward, eventually doubling their lead in the 21st minute. Jonathan Osondu calmly converted from the penalty spot after Erikan was brought down inside the box.
Despite Heartland’s early dominance, the Lagos-based visitors found a way back into the contest just before the halftime whistle. Gafar Ojo rose highest to power home a header in the 45th minute, reducing the deficit to 2–1 and giving Smart City renewed hope heading into the break.
Heartland returned for the second half with greater focus, although they were guilty of several missed chances as they searched for a decisive third goal. Their persistence eventually paid off in the 70th minute when Ali Sunday produced a well-taken free kick that beat the wall and sealed the victory for the hosts.
Amuneke later praised the team’s attitude while stressing the need for continued improvement.
The victory lifts Heartland to third place in the Nigeria National League Southern Conference A, with 17 points from 11 matches, trailing Beyond Limits and Inter Lagos in the promotion race.
With confidence growing inside the Owerri camp, the Naze Millionaires will now turn their attention to another crucial home fixture against Sunshine Stars on Saturday, a match that could further close the gap on the conference leaders.
Amuneke remains optimistic that consistency and determination will eventually guide the club back to the elite division.
“We know what Heartland means to the people of Owerri and Imo State,” he said. “Our job is to keep pushing and give everything in every game. If we maintain this spirit, we will get there.”
