- Governor Hope Uzodinma appointed Emmanuel Amuneke as the new Technical Manager for Heartland Football Club, aiming to restore the team’s pride
- Amuneke, a former international player and experienced coach, previously managed clubs like Julius Berger and led Tanzania to AFCON 2019
The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has unveiled Emmanuel Amuneke as the new Technical Manager for Heartland Football Club of Owerri. The unveiling occurred yesterday at the New Exco Chamber, Government House, Owerri.
Although the details of Amuneke’s contract were not disclosed, sources close to the government indicated that the contract is still being finalized.
Amuneke, an ex-international and FIFA-licensed coach, was previously in charge of the club’s open screening last month. He brings a wealth of experience to the team, having managed several clubs, including Julius Berger and Al-Masry of Egypt, as well as the Tanzania national team.
Heartland FC finished 18th in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) last season and was relegated to the lower-tier Nigeria National League (NNL). Amuneke’s appointment is seen as a move to restore the pride of the Naze Millionaires.
The former Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona winger was a top contender for the Super Eagles head coach position but lost out to George Finidi, who was appointed Jose Peseiro’s successor by the Nigeria Football Federation.
Amuneke, 53, has a notable coaching career, leading Tanzania to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) appearance since 1980 in the 2019 edition. He also coached Egyptian side Misr El-Makkasa and led Nigeria to the 2015 U-17 World Cup in Chile, where they emerged champions for a record fifth time.
As a player, Amuneke won an Olympic gold medal in 1996 and scored a brace in the final to secure Nigeria’s second AFCON title in 1994.
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