Former Barcelona winger Emmanuel Amunike has been appointed as the brand new head coach of Heartland Soccer Membership, Soccernet.ng studies.
The announcement was made on the Imo State authorities home in Owerri on Monday.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma highlighted the importance of Amunike’s appointment, stating,
“Amunike’s exceptional profession has made us extremely proud, and his return to our State on this new function brings a wave of optimism. Heartland FC has confronted a sequence of challenges in latest seasons, however this appointment marks a renewed dedication to revitalise the membership.”
He continued, “With Amunike’s wealth of expertise and indigeneship to the State, I’m assured that this shall be a turning level for Heartland FC, guiding it again to its successful methods and reigniting our collective ardour for the crew.”
Heartland FC skilled relegation on the finish of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Soccer League (NPFL) season. Nonetheless, the membership secured a spot within the NPFL for the 2024/2025 season by buying the slot of Past Limits FC, Lagos.
Official: Imo State Governor unveiled Ex -Worldwide Emmanuel Amunike as @HeartlandFC_ng New Technical Adviser forward of New NPFL Season. pic.twitter.com/xNDX9hsDtN
— NPFL Insert (@NPFL_INSERT) August 5, 2024
Amunike, who retired from worldwide soccer in 2004, loved a storied profession with the Tremendous Eagles, successful the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994.
After retirement, Amunike took to teaching and led Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to victory within the 2015 U-17 World Cup, nurturing future stars like Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.
In 2018, Amunike was appointed supervisor of Tanzania’s nationwide crew and efficiently guided them to their first African Cup of Nations (AFCON) look in over twenty years in 2019.
His teaching journey continued with Misr El-Makkasa in 2021 earlier than he joined the Tremendous Eagles as an assistant coach in 2022.
Earlier this yr, Amunike was thought of a robust candidate to succeed Jose Peseiro as head coach of the Tremendous Eagles.
Nonetheless, the Nigeria Soccer Federation opted for Finidi George, who subsequently resigned after a quick and unsuccessful tenure.