WATCH: Amunike ‘dusted’ by ex-Golden Eaglets coach Olanrewaju in Owerri as Enyimba wallop Heartland

Emmanuel Amunike’s return to the Nigeria Professional Football League as Heartland FC’s head coach ended in disappointment after his team suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Enyimba FC, Soccernet.ng reports.

The loss took place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, marking a tough debut for the former Golden Eaglets manager.

Heartland FC, who narrowly regained their spot in the NPFL this season, had high hopes for their campaign after being relegated last year.

The Owerri-based club benefited from the promotion slot forfeited by Beyond Limits Academy due to the league’s ownership rules, which prevent clubs with the same owner from playing in the top division.

Beyond Limits shares ownership with Remo Stars, who finished second last season, allowing Heartland to return.

Amunike, whose appointment was finalised just before the season’s start, was eager to impress on his home debut.

However, Enyimba, former NPFL champions, shattered those expectations in a thrilling eight-minute spell.

Heartland initially took the lead through Suraj, who netted in the 54th minute after a goalmouth scramble. The home crowd’s joy was short-lived, as Enyimba came alive soon after.

In the 65th minute, substitute Ifeanyi Ihemekwele scored the equaliser with a stunning striker into the top corner, igniting a remarkable comeback. Jephta Clinton then delivered two clinical strikes in the 70th and 73rd minutes to seal a 3-1 victory for the Aba Elephants.

Enyimba coach Yemi Olanrewaju, reflecting on the win, said, “It is important we start on a good note. 37 games more as this one is done and dusted.”

His team will next travel to Mali for a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary match against Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso.

Olanrewaju, a former player for Kwara United, Ocean Boys, and Turkish club Kizitepe, has risen rapidly in his coaching career.

Appointed as Enyimba’s permanent coach in August 2024, he had previously served as an assistant to Nduka Ugbade for Nigeria’s U17 team and was a key figure in Enyimba’s record ninth league title under Finidi George.

Match Day 1 Results:

Plateau United 1-0 Katsina United

Bendel Insurance 0-0 Rivers United

Sunshine Stars 3-0 Bayelsa United

Abia Warriors 0-2 Remo Stars

Heartland FC 1-3 Enyimba International

Nasarawa United 1-1 Shooting Stars

Kano Pillars 3-0 Ikorodu City FC

Kwara United 1-2 Niger Tornadoes

Imhons Erons

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

Super Eagles call-up? Nathan Tella breaks silence on Chelle’s selection

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has expressed his desire to return to the Nigerian national… Read More

2 hours ago

Can Akpom save Van Nistelrooy’s job? Leicester close in on Super Eagles-eligible striker

Leicester City are edging closer to securing the signing of Super Eagles-eligible striker Chuba Akpom… Read More

5 hours ago

Napoli reject first official bid for Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen amid Arsenal and Man United link

Napoli have turned down an initial €65 million bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with… Read More

6 hours ago

Sevilla FC: Nigerian prospect Ola Great receives trial invitation from La Liga club

Nigerian footballer Ola Great has received an official trial invitation from the Spanish La Liga… Read More

7 hours ago

Former Super Eagles midfielder reveals what Nigeria need to win AFCON 2025

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Sylvanus Okpala, has revealed what the Nigerian team need to emerge… Read More

12 hours ago