Heartland FC of Owerri’s head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke is apparently closer than ever to the team’s exit door, following their elimination from this year’s Imo State FA Cup.
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Sports247 gathered in Owerri that Amuneke has been under fire since his failure to take Heartland back to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) this season.
There is also growing discontent with his lack of results since taking over the club’s technical mantle, desoure receiving lavish support from the state’s governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
With escalating allegations of fishy deals and distractions from ‘personal preferences’ also trailing him, Amuneke’s survival appeared hinged on him winning this year’s Imo State President Federation Cup.
Unfortunately, Heartland could only amble to a 1-1 draw at full time in Friday’s semi-final with Campos Football Academy, who then picked a ticket to the final 5-3 on penalties.
In this weekend’s final billed for the state capital, Campos will tango with OISA Football Academy, who defeated Okpotemba FC 2-1 in the second semi-final on Friday, leaving Heartland empty in terms of honours this year.
Sports247 had earlier reported during a visit to Owerri that pressure was mounting on the state’s football association as well as the ministry of sports to dispense with the services of Amuneke.
Surprisingly, though, a top sports broadcaster in Owerri, Kennedy Onwunali, who played grassroots football while growing up in Lagos, rose in defence of Amuneke.
Onwunali (Mark Fish) stated in a voice chat with Sports247 that the former Super Eagles’ winger and 1994 African Footballer of The Year is not under any pressure whatsoever.
“Some wicked people are trying to fight him. Please ask questions about some of these things so that they will not rubbish you.
“The people telling you all those things about Heartland are all liars. I am sure they cannot repeat those things if I am there,” the amiable broadcaster asserted.
