Uzodinma unveils Amuneke as Heartland’s new head coach

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma has unveiled Emmanuel Amuneke as the new Technical Manager for Heartland Football Club of Owerri. The governor unveiled the ex-international and FIFA licensed coach at the New Exco Chamber, Government House Owerri yesterday. However, details of the contract was not revealed by the governor, but sources close to […]

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma has unveiled Emmanuel Amuneke as the new Technical Manager for Heartland Football Club of Owerri.

The governor unveiled the ex-international and FIFA licensed coach at the New Exco Chamber, Government House Owerri yesterday.

However, details of the contract was not revealed by the governor, but sources close to the government said the contract is yet to be finalised.

The former Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona winger last month was in charge of the club’s open screening and would bank on his wealth of experience as he has previously managed several clubs, including Julius Berger, Al-Masry of Egypt, the Tanzania national team to restore the pride of the Nazi millionaire.

Heartland FC finished 18th in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) last season and was relegated to the lower-tier Nigeria National League (NNL).

It will be recalled that the former Super Eagles assistant coach was a top contender for the Eagles job, but lost out to his former teammate George Finidi after the Nigeria Football Federation appointed the former Enyimba coach as Jose Peseiro’s successor.

The 53-year-old, who led Tanzania to their first Africa Cup of Nations (the 2019 edition) since 1980, also coached Egyptian side Misr El-Makkasa.

He led Nigeria to the 2015 U-17 World Cup in Chile, where they emerged champions for a record fifth time.

As a player, he won Olympic gold in 1996, which came two years after scoring a brace that won Nigeria their second AFCON title.