Heartland FC have officially resumed preparations for the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, with Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke confirming the team’s return to training last Monday. The four-time NPFL champions are gearing up for their second consecutive campaign in the second-tier domestic league after being relegated from the top flight at the end of the 2024/2025 season. Amuneke, a former Super Eagles winger and ex-FC Barcelona player, emphasized that the club is focused on rebuilding and returning to the NPFL through disciplined effort and strategic planning.
The Naze Millionaires narrowly missed promotion back to the NPFL following the 2025/2026 season, finishing third in Conference A with 27 points. They were edged out by Inter Lagos, who secured the lone promotion spot with 29 points, and Beyond Limits, who finished second with 28 points. Despite the close finish, Heartland remain determined to improve their performance and achieve their goal of returning to the top tier. “We’ve started out on a new journey, hoping that by trusting the process, we’ll get to our desired destination,” Amuneke said, reflecting on the club’s renewed commitment.
Amuneke, who also played for Julius Berger of Lagos and Zamalek of Egypt during his playing career, brings a wealth of experience to the technical bench. His achievements include helping Nigeria win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored two crucial goals against Zambia in the final — his only appearance in the tournament. That performance earned him the prestigious title of African Player of the Year in 1994. He also played a key role in Nigeria’s historic Olympic gold medal victory in 1996, defeating Argentina 3-2 in the final to become the first African nation to claim the men’s football title at the Games.
Cameroon followed Nigeria’s lead in 2000, becoming the second African country to win Olympic football gold after defeating Spain 5-3 on penalties in Sydney. While those achievements belong to the past, Amuneke’s legacy continues to inspire current players at Heartland. His leadership and tactical insight are expected to guide the squad as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the NNL. The club’s focus remains on developing young talent, strengthening squad depth, and maintaining consistency throughout the season.
As the 2026/2027 NNL season approaches, Heartland fans are hopeful that this year will mark the beginning of a successful return to the NPFL. With experienced coaching and a clear vision, the team aims to build momentum early and secure a strong position in the league table. The journey may be tough, but with Amuneke at the helm, Heartland are determined to make their mark once again in Nigerian football.
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