NNL

NNL: Heartland FC ready to battle for NPFL return — Amuneke

The Hartland FC Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to participate in the Nigeria National League (NNL) scheduled to commence on November this year.

While welcoming the NNL draw, which placed the Naze Millionaires in the Southern Conference A alongside Crown FC, Edel FC, Sunshine Stars, E-World FC, Inter FC Lagos, Smart City FC, Godswill Akpabio United FC, Abia Comets, and Beyond Limits, Amuneke stressed that Heartland will compete strongly while respecting every opponent in the group.

He said, “We have been expecting the draw, and with what we have done since June, when the team resumed rebuilding, we are ready to compete.”

He described it as a welcome development, assured that his team will respect all the teams in their group because they deserve to be there.

The 1994 CAF Player of the Year and the former Super Eagles winger noted the significant progress made since the club began its restructuring process, highlighting the blend of new signings and retention of players as a key strength ahead of the new season.

He said: “Some of the players we used last season have left, and we have brought in new players. Our objective is to use this new crop, along with the retained ones, to achieve our goal of returning to the NPFL.”

He said that the new players are adapting very well, assuring that with their commitment, the team are much better than last season.

According to him, they had more time to prepare and assess the players, unlike last season

He further emphasised the role of Imo people in the journey back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), urging continuous support for the state’s flagship football club.

He said: “Heartland FC remains the team of Imo State. Imolites deserve the best, and we know they want the best for their club. They have the right to express their opinions, and we must listen.”

The coach called on them to stand by their team in good and bad times, adding that their support will drive us closer to our goal

Given the draw of the 2025/26 NNL season, Heartland will begin their campaign season with renewed determination to secure a swift return to the top flight when they face Crown FC of Ogbomosho in the first game on November 8th, 2025, in Ogbomosho.

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Johnkennedy Uzoma

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