Emmanuel Amunike has been announced as the new head coach of Nigeria Premier Football League side Heartland Football FC, Afrosport reports.
The announcement was made by Imo State governors Hope Uzodinma on Monday who hoped that the former Super Eagles winger would improve the fortunes of the club.
“I am thrilled to announce that our brother, Mr Emmanuel Amuneke, the celebrated international football legend from Imo State, has been appointed as the Head Coach of Heartland Football Club,” Uzodinma said in a post on X.
“Amuneke’s remarkable career has made us incredibly proud, and his return to our State in this new role brings a wave of optimism. Heartland FC has faced series of challenges in recent seasons, but this appointment marks a renewed commitment to revitalize the club.
“With Amuneke’s wealth of experience and indigeneship to the State, I am confident that this will be a turning point for Heartland FC, guiding it back to its winning ways and reigniting our collective passion for the team.”
I am thrilled to announce that our brother, Mr Emmanuel Amuneke, the celebrated international football legend from Imo State, has been appointed as the Head Coach of Heartland Football Club.
Amuneke’s remarkable career has made us incredibly proud, and his return to our State… pic.twitter.com/tOaXl8eXfl
— Hope Uzodimma (@Hope_Uzodimma1) August 5, 2024
Heartland were relegated at the end of the 2023-24 NPFL season but will likely feature in the upcoming season after reportedly acquiring the spot of second tier champions Beyond Limits Football Academy.
Amunike makes a return to the Nigerian club football scene for the first time since 2011 when he managed the now-defunct Ocean Boys and before that Julis Berger FC.
His most prominent managerial stints were with the Nigeria Under-17 national team, leading them to ultimate glory at the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile, as well as leading Tanzania to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Amunike was in the running for the Super Eagles managerial role after Jose Peseiro’s departure following the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
His former teammate Finidi George was however appointed but resigned after the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in June.
