Heartland FC head coach Emmanuel Amuneke delivered a blunt assessment of his team’s performance after they were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Gateway FC in an NNL clash at the M.K.O. Abiola Sports Arena.
Despite dominating the match, Heartland failed to convert their chances – a result Amuneke described as unacceptable for a club aiming to regain its top-flight status.
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“Playing a team at the bottom is always a challenge,” Amuneke said. “The scoreline should have been four goals in favour of Heartland FC. We can’t go to the World Cup without doing what is right.”
The former African Footballer of the Year stressed that Heartland must develop a winning mentality and clinical edge if they hope to secure promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
In a revealing remark, Heartland’s captain disclosed that the club had been offered the chance to remain in the NPFL this season, but Amuneke turned down the shortcut, choosing instead to rebuild the team through merit.
“Heartland had the opportunity to play in the NPFL this season, but coach Emmanuel Amuneke refused. He told us he is ready for the challenge to promote the team back,” the captain said.
The result against Gateway FC leaves Heartland with work to do, but Amuneke’s stance signals a strong commitment to accountability, structure, and earning success the right way — even if it means navigating tough nights like the draw in Abeokuta.
With his insistence on discipline and improvement, the coach has made it clear that Heartland’s journey back to the top will not rely on favours, but on football.
