Heartland of Owerri technical manager, Emmanuel Amuneke has given a bold promise to fans of the Imo State-owned club that he and officials of the team will take constructive decisions to move the squad forward.
Sports247.ng reports that the former Super Eagles’ star and ex-coach of Tanzania’s national team admitted after Heartland’s goalless draw away to Lobi Stars of Makurdi that more work has to be done to revive the fortunes of his squad.
The stalemate at Lafia Township Stadium left The Naze Millinaires 14th in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), with minus-three goals deficit, as they have won only one of their last five matches – with two draws and two defeats to end 2024.
Amuneke admitted that there is a dire need to put things right for the Owerri-based side during the mid-season break, while hinting that last weekend’s battle with Lobi Stars would be a useful reference point for him and his players.
The 1994 African Footballer of The Year retorted, “For me, it was a tough game. First of all, looking at the circumstances of the game; especially as the pitch was very hot for the players. When the sun died, it was much better for the players.
“We came up with a game plan, and I am very happy that we were able to execute those things that we planned. We knew it was not going to be easy for us, but we were able to remain calm and composed. We were able to execute those chances.
“But, in the first half, had it been that we took all our chances, this game would have ended 3-0 in our favour. Unfortunately, it never materialised. But we are still happy that, at least, we got a point here.”
The ex-international winger, who had in the past also coached Bridge Boys FC of Lagos, Ocean Boys of Bayelsa State as well as clubs in Sudan, Zambia and Egypt, hinted that he will now return to the drawing board in order to prepare better for the second half of the NPFL season.
Amuneke added, “This result has given us the courage to go back and work harder. As I have always emphasised, the league is not all about a destination. It’s a continuous journey.
“While on a journey, you must be ready to see the ups and downs, then find a way to come up with a stronger plan. That is what we are doing and trying to achieve.
“We have many young players in this team, and, for most of them, this is their first experience in the league. I am glad that we are all growing and progressing.”
He rounded off with an insight into his ideas of technical tinkering with the squad, using the case of Osinachi Wilson, who was taken off during the match versus Lobi Stars few minutes after he went in from the bench.
“It was for tactical reasons,” Amuneke explained, “We tried to adjust our midfield. We observed that we were not in control of the midfield. We needed someone with more experience, someone with more prowess when he has the ball.
“That’s what we did. It was just for tactical reasons. It also shows that every journey needs a holistic and realistic approach. That is what we intend to do during the break.
“We have to look back and take decisions that are not based on emotions. You have to be calm; you have to assess the whole circumstances. Check all factors and inconveniences that will give you the possibility of taking the right decisions in the interest of the team.”
Amuneke also enthused that he will be able to turn his current array of youngsters at Heartland into future heroes, as he did for Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze, who were both part of the Golden Eaglets’ squad he coached to win the FIFA U17 World Cup of 2015 in Chile.
