Heartland not discouraged by winless NPFL run, says Amuneke

Heartland are yet to record a win in four matches, but head coach Emmanuel Amuneke is convinced these are unavoidable challenges in the pursuit of success.

Emmanuel Amuneke, the head coach of Heartland FC, has said that the Naze Millionaires remain undeterred despite their winless start to the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign.

So far, Heartland has recorded three losses and one draw in their opening four matches, with the latest setback being a 1-0 defeat to Shooting Stars in Ibadan on Sunday, September 29. This winless streak leaves Heartland languishing in the relegation zone, alongside Ikorodu City and Lobi Stars, who have also only managed to secure a single point.

Reacting to the team’s struggles, Amuneke told Complete Sport, “It isn’t easy. Success doesn’t come easy, but we’re keeping our heads up as we look for our first win. When that happens, the players’ confidence will soar, and the true quality and potential of the team will begin to show.”

The 1994 CAF Footballer of the Year emphasised the unavoidable challenges involved in the pursuit of success, stating, “There’s no easy road to success in football, just as in other spheres of human endeavor. The sweetest victory is the one that comes the hard way. The players are quickly adapting to our philosophy. We’re doing what we should: encouraging the players and building their confidence.”

Heartland finished 19th in the 2023/24 NPFL season, leading to their relegation. However, they are competing in the NPFL this season in place of Beyond Limits, whose joint ownership with Remo Stars violates the Rule B11.4 of the NPFL Framework and Rules.