Emmanuel Amunike has been appointed as the new head coach of Heartland FC. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma highlighted the significance of this move, aiming to revitalize the club following its relegation. Amunike, a former Barcelona star and successful coach, brings renewed hope to the team.
Emmanuel Amunike, the former Barcelona winger, has been named the new head coach of Heartland Football Club, as announced at the Imo State government house in Owerri on Monday.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma expressed enthusiasm about Amunike’s return to the state, highlighting the significance of his appointment. “Amunike’s impressive career has brought us great pride. His new role at Heartland FC symbolizes a fresh start for the club, which has struggled in recent seasons,” Uzodinma remarked.
Heartland FC, relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after the 2023/2024 season, managed to secure a spot in the 2024/2025 NPFL by acquiring the slot of Beyond Limits FC from Lagos. This move marks a new chapter for the club, with high hopes pinned on Amunike to revitalize its fortunes.
Amunike, who retired from international football in 2004, had a distinguished career with the Super Eagles, including winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994. His coaching career includes leading Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to victory in the 2015 U-17 World Cup and guiding Tanzania’s national team to their first African Cup of Nations (AFCON) appearance in over 20 years in 2019.
In 2021, Amunike managed Misr El-Makkasa and later joined the Super Eagles as an assistant coach in 2022. Although he was a strong candidate to succeed Jose Peseiro as head coach of the Super Eagles earlier this year, the Nigeria Football Federation chose Finidi George, who resigned after a brief stint.
With Amunike now at the helm of Heartland FC, there is renewed optimism for the club’s future.
