Amuneke was previously linked with the Super Eagles job, which ultimately went to Finidi George.
Former Super Eagles star and FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has been appointed as the new head coach of Heartland FC.
The official announcement was made by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, on Monday at the Government House in Owerri.
Amuneke’s appointment comes after a stint as a consultant for the club and overseeing their recent open player trials. He was also previously linked with the Super Eagles job, which ultimately went to Finidi George.
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Heartland has faced significant challenges in recent seasons, including relegation to the Nigeria National League.
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The club is currently in discussions to purchase a slot in the top-tier NPFL from the newly promoted Beyond Limits, but the Imo State government has downplayed these rumours.
Despite the club's struggles, Amuneke's appointment is seen as a significant step towards revitalising Heartland FC.
The governor expressed confidence in Amuneke's ability to return the club to its former glory, referencing their successful history, which includes four consecutive NPFL titles from 1987 to 1990 and appearances in the finals of the African Cup of Champions Clubs and the CAF Champions League.
Amuneke, in his remarks, commended the Governor for the opportunity and promised to work diligently to achieve success with Heartland FC.
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The details of Amuneke's contract have not been disclosed.
Emmanuel Amuneke as a Coach
Emmanuel Amuneke is a former Nigerian footballer who has transitioned into a successful coaching career. After retiring as a player in 2004, he pursued coaching, gaining experience in various clubs and national teams.
Amuneke's coaching journey began in Spain where he obtained coaching licenses and coached youth teams. He then held coaching positions in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Tanzania.
His most notable achievement was winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup with the Nigerian national team in 2015. Despite qualifying Tanzania for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, Amuneke resigned after a disappointing tournament.
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He continued his coaching career in Egypt and later returned to the Nigerian national team as an assistant coach in 2022.