Heartland boss Amuneke sets sights on NPFL return after promotion setback

Heartland technical manager Emmanuel Amuneke says the Owerri-based club are determined to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this season after narrowly missing out last campaign.

The Naze Millionaires will begin their Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign at home against Crown FC on Sunday, November 1, 2026, with Amuneke targeting an immediate return to Nigeria’s top flight.

Amuneke said the club’s ambition was to regain their NPFL status as quickly as possible, but warned that success would depend on following the correct process.

“I also want us to be back in the NPFL as quickly as possible,” Amuneke told the NNL media.

“But over the years, with my experience, I have learned to understand that in life, nothing happens without a process. Those processes began when I arrived here, and I am happy that today, we are in a position to compete.”

Heartland fell short in their promotion bid last season and will hope their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign can help them go one step further.

The former Nigeria international said the club’s pre-season schedule had been important in assessing new additions to the squad and establishing the style of football they want to use during the season.

Heartland were beaten by Enyimba in one friendly before suffering another defeat against Akwa United in Uyo.

“When we started this season’s preparations, we played a friendly game against Enyimba and lost. We also played against Akwa United in Uyo, where we were beaten,” Amuneke said.

“The games were used to look at the new boys that we wanted to incorporate into the team. It was from there that we started developing a pattern that we wanted to play.”

Although the results were not positive, Amuneke believes the matches gave the coaching staff valuable information and helped the incoming players understand his requirements.

He was particularly pleased with how quickly the newcomers had adjusted to their surroundings and responded to the tactical demands placed on them.

“We are happy and grateful that we have been able to see the players adapting so quickly. I will say kudos to everyone for the great job done,” he added.

“When you have a group of players who are willing and coachable, it is always a thing of joy to the coach.”

Heartland’s opening match against Crown FC will provide the first opportunity to assess their progress in a competitive fixture, as they begin another attempt to earn promotion from the NNL.