By Rasaq Oboirien
Emmanuel Amuneke’s difficult start to life as Heartland Technical Manager started on Sunday as his team lost 1-3 to Enyimba in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League opening season home fixture at Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri.
Amuneke, a former CAF Player of the Year could only watch as his Naze Millionaires fell like a pack of cards, despite taking the lead in the Oriental Derby star game against Enyimba.
The Super Eagles legend was named Technical Manager and unveiled by the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, a month ago, with the task of returning Heartland to its glory days.
The Derby lived up to the hype as it was goalless at the break. All seemed to be going down well for Heartland, as Amuneke’s halftime talk in the dressing must have spurred the lads on, as they took the lead in the 54th minute.
Suraju Lawal scored the goal after he sped past Enyimba’s goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Seven minutes after the one-hour mark, the People’s Elephants started the comeback after Ifeanyi Ihemekwele drew the game level to 1-1.
Amuneke and his Heartland were then handed a reality check as Clinton Jephta bagged a brace, with his first in the 70th minute and the icing on the cake for Enyimba in the 73rd minute.
