Heartland FC Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, has praised his players’ “perfect game management”, which he said was key to their hard-fought 1–0 win over Sunshine Stars in Saturday’s nail-biting Nigeria National League clash at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Completesports.com reports.
Abdulateef Ibrahim scored the only goal of the match in the 90th minute, as Heartland moved to third in the Conference A table with 20 points.
Amuneke admitted the game lived up to its billing as two former NPFL sides battled for the three maximum points.
Amuneke Praises Players’ Perfect Game Management
“We cannot say because we missed three goals and switch off; no, we have to push on. Even if we score three goals, we would still have to practise to make it become a part of us,” Amuneke said at the post-match press conference.
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“We would have killed the game in the first half but we were not able to take those chances. But like I said, a team can lose a lot of chances in a game and that can, one way or the other, demoralise them.
“But I spoke to the players during half-time and made them understand that even though we lost those scoring chances, they played very well in the first half. I think the game management from the players was perfect.
“If you watched, we never allowed them to play and when we had the ball, we played. We’re grateful. Even if it is half a goal, so far as it gives us the three points, it’s okay.”
Amuneke Admits Sunshine Stars Provided Tough Challenge
Despite celebrating the victory — Heartland’s third win in three consecutive games — Amuneke said he knew Sunshine Stars would not come to Owerri merely to admire the beauty of the Imo State capital.
“I think we played against a very good side; we have to be very honest with ourselves. We played against a well-organised team, a side that has clarity about what they want to do, especially when they don’t have the ball.
“But the good thing is that we were very persistent in terms of our ambition to win the game. We kept pushing and controlled the game throughout. When you have the ability to control a game, it gives you an edge in terms of offensive play. And that’s exactly what played out at the end of the day.”
Coach Explains Tactical Discipline Against Long Balls
Amuneke also explained that his side deliberately avoided playing long balls against Sunshine Stars because of their defensive strength.
“Had it been that we went back and tried to play the long ball against them — looking at it — they won almost all the long balls. Which means they have a very solid defensive team behind.
“But like I’ve always encouraged the boys, I want them to really discover themselves.
“You discover yourself. The method and the mentality are there, but just discover yourself by making it simple.”
He added that the clash carried extra significance because both clubs suffered relegation last season.
“In this kind of game, we shouldn’t forget that Sunshine Stars and Heartland both got relegated last season. I remember last week you asked me about Sunshine Stars and I said if it is only one goal we would be happy.
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“And today, one goal came. So we’re grateful to our fans, grateful to God, and grateful to the players for their consistency in terms of their belief in themselves. We’ll continue to work.”
Amuneke Shifts Focus To Remaining NNL Fixtures
Amuneke said the team will begin preparations for their remaining four games after celebrating the victory.
“For the moment, we’re grateful. When we saw the fixtures, we knew there would come a time when we would have to play three straight games at home. Our objective and ambition were to win those three games, and it has come to pass.
“Now we have four games left — two at home and two away. Let’s enjoy this moment. It was a very intense and emotional match, and our fans want their team to win.
“So I’m also happy that we won, at least our fans can celebrate. Tomorrow (Sunday) we will go to church to thank God. Then from Monday (16/03/2026), we’ll begin to think about our next game, which is against Inter Lagos.
“We know it’s going to be a very difficult game because they have an edge over us, but in life nothing is impossible. We have to remain calm and focused,” Amuneke concluded.
By Sab Osuji
