Emmanuel Amuneke (MFR), former Nigeria winger and current Technical Manager of Heartland FC, emphasised that “there’s no easy road to success in football, as in other spheres of human endeavour,” after the Naze Millionaires’ spirited effort to secure their first win of the 2024/2025 NPFL season ended in defeat to Shooting Stars in Ibadan, Completesports.com reports.
The former Zamalek of Egypt and ex-FC Barcelona left winger, who is still coming to terms with his team’s 1-0 defeat to 3SC in last Sunday night’s NPFL matchday-4 fixture, spoke exclusively to Completesports.com on the team’s return to Owerri.
The 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach with the Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets tactically avoided blaming any specific cause for their inability to cancel out Akeem Akani’s 35th-minute goal, which earned Shooting Stars all three points in the Lekan Salami Stadium thriller.
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“Success doesn’t come easy. The sweetest victory is the one that comes the hard way,” the former African Footballer of the Year told Completesports.com in an exclusive interview.
“We worked hard, dominated the game [against Shooting Stars], and even had the ball in the back of the net. We also created other chances, including a penalty appeal, but that’s part of the game.”
Amuneke added: “The players are quickly adapting to our philosophy. However, a lapse in concentration cost us the game. We’re doing what we should: encouraging the players and building their confidence.
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“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.”
Heartland are without a win in their opening four matches of the 2024/2025 season. They have just one point from a possible 12 and will host Niger Tornadoes in this weekend’s matchday-5 fixture at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
By Sab Osuji
