Heartland FC of Owerri have confirmed the appointment of a new face in the dugout.
Emmanuel Amuneke has been unveiled as the new gaffer of the Nigeria National League [NNL] side.
The 53-year-old was presented at the Imo State Government House by governor Hope Uzodinma.
“I am thrilled to announce that our brother, Emmanuel Amuneke, the celebrated international football legend from Imo State, has been appointed as the Head Coach of Heartland Football Club,” said the governor.
“Amuneke’s remarkable career has made us incredibly proud, and his return to our State in this new role brings a wave of optimism.
“Heartland FC have faced series of challenges in recent seasons, but this appointment marks a renewed commitment to revitalize the club.
“With Amuneke’s wealth of experience and indigeneship to the State, I am confident that this will be a turning point for Heartland FC, guiding them back to their winning ways and reigniting our collective passion for the team.”
The former African Player of the Year returns to management after a two-year hiatus, with the expectation to revive the fortunes of the Naze Millionaires after their relegation from the Nigeria Professional Football League during the 2023-24 season.
Prior to his appointment, the former Barcelona player had been involved in the club’s recruitment process.
Following an illustrious career that saw him win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and the Olympic Gold medal in 1996 with Nigeria as well as getting crowned as Africa’s best, the footballer made his steps into coaching.
He first worked as an assistant manager at Saudi Arabian side Al Hazm before leading Nigeria to glory at U-17 World Cup glory in Chile in 2015 before taking charge of Al Khartoum after a failed attempt as Nigeria’s U-20 gaffer.
Amuneke was then named the Tanzania senior national team coach after a season in Sudan. There, he helped the East African country qualify for their first AFCON in 2019. He was relived by the Tanzania Football Federation after a disappointing performance in Egypt.
He has also had short spells with Egyptian outfit Misr El-Makkasa and Zambian team Zanaco.
