Super Eagles legend Emmanuel Amuneke's Heartland are hoping to end their hoodoo against Nigerian champions Rangers in the Southeast derby.
Super Eagles legend Emmanuel Amuneke is gearing up for an all-important clash as his team, Heartland FC prepare to face Nigerian champions Enugu Rangers in the highly anticipated Southeast derby.
The match, set to take place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, is being billed as the biggest showdown of the weekend in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
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Heartland, known as the Naze Millionaires, have struggled historically against Rangers, managing only two wins in their last nine encounters, while Rangers have claimed victory seven times.
However, Amuneke's side is determined to change that narrative as they come into this match with renewed confidence, having gone unbeaten in their last four games.
In a bold statement released on social media just hours before kickoff, Heartland declared their intent:
“Though the odds may be against us based on the results of the past few seasons, we are ready to change the narratives as from today and strive to reclaim our superiority.”
This sentiment captures Amuneke's vision for the team and their desire to overcome past disappointments in what is a crucial encounter for both teams.
The last time these two teams met, Heartland suffered a 2-1 defeat, with Rangers' Onyebuchi Ifeanyi and Kalu Nweke finding the net for the Flying Antelopes en route to their eighth NPFL title.
Amuneke's squad is keen and hungry to turn the tide this time around and assert themselves in this fierce rivalry.
With hours to the game, all eyes will be on Amuneke and his players as they aim to rewrite their history against a formidable opponent and establish themselves as the Millionaires aim to reestablish themselves as a stable NPFL team.