Heartland FC Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, has emphasised his focus on the “journey” over the “destination” as his team navigates challenges in the ongoing 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Completesports.com reports.
Speaking to exclusively Completesports.com after Heartland’s 1-0 defeat to Kwara United in Ilorin on NPFL Matchday 14, Amuneke attributed his team’s progress to patience, process, and belief in youth development.
Reflecting on the Naze Millionaires’ slow start to the season, Amuneke noted the absence of a proper pre-season preparation due to the tragic accident that claimed the life of their assistant coach, Christian Obi. He added that Heartland’s squad is predominantly composed of young, inexperienced players who are being nurtured to grow into competitive professionals.
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“Before the 2024/2025 season started, we couldn’t have a pre-season because of the unfortunate accident in which we lost one of our coaches. May his soul rest in peace,” Amuneke said.
“Most of our players are young and have never played in the NPFL, but I believe in giving opportunities for growth. Nothing in life happens without a process.”
The former Super Eagles winger and 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup title-winning coach reiterated his life philosophy, saying, “I’m not interested in the destination; my focus is on the journey because the journey leads to the destination.”
The loss to Kwara United ended Heartland’s five-match unbeaten streak, with Emmanuel Ogbole’s 21st-minute strike proving decisive. Amuneke attributed the defeat to a momentary lapse in concentration but praised his team’s overall performance.
“It was a tough game. We conceded due to a lack of concentration, but our performance was impressive,” he said. “We hit the woodwork twice and created decent chances. Today, luck wasn’t on our side.”
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Heartland’s appeals for penalties in the second half, after forward Suraj Lawal was twice brought down in the box, were waved away by the referee. Amuneke refrained from criticising the officiating but called for higher standards in Nigerian football.
Amuneke added: “If we want our football to grow, we must raise the standards at all levels. Football isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about building the capacity to compete.”
Heartland now sit 12th in the NPFL table with 17 points from 14 matches. They will host Nasarawa United, currently 18th with 15 points, in a Matchday 15 fixture at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
By Sab Osuji
