Bryan Lavallee

Heartland Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke has commended his side’s determination after they held Sunshine Stars to a 0-0 draw in a hard-fought NPFL matchday 31 encounter at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode. The Naze Millionaires had endured a difficult run, going five matches without a win including two home draws and a narrow 1-0 loss to Abia Warriors before their trip to face the Owena Whales. That poor form had seen the five-time Nigerian champions slide into the relegation zone. However, Wednesday’s draw was enough to lift them to 16th place on the table, with 35 points from 31 games. Amuneke described the result as fair, considering the circumstances, though he admitted that they were aiming for maximum points. "I think it was a tough game for both teams, considering their positions on the table," he said. "We had some chances but were unable to convert any of them. They also had their chances, which they equally didn’t take. Overall, for us, it wasn’t a bad result. But we would have loved to take all three points." Heartland now prepare to host Kano Pillars this weekend at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. The visitors currently sit 8th in the league with 44 points. Editorial For a team fighting for survival, sometimes a draw can feel like a win. And for Emmanuel Amuneke’s Heartland, Wednesday’s result was a glimmer of light at the end of what has been a dark tunnel in recent weeks. They may not have secured three points, but they showed character. It takes grit to go away from home in a pressure cooker situation and avoid defeat especially after slipping into the relegation zone. This was not a performance filled with flair, but one grounded in discipline and resilience. Emmanuel Amuneke’s influence is beginning to take root. He knows what it takes to win, both as a player and coach, and now his task is to transfer that mentality to a side desperate for consistency. Heartland’s next step is clear: they must make Owerri a fortress. Their survival in the NPFL depends heavily on home results, and the clash against Kano Pillars could define the momentum of their final stretch. This isn’t just about staying up. It’s about restoring belief in a club that once stood among Nigeria’s elite. The draw in Ijebu Ode won’t grab headlines—but if they build on it, it could be remembered as a turning point. Did You Know? Emmanuel Amuneke scored Nigeria’s winning goal in the 1994 AFCON final and also played at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Heartland FC were runners-up in the 2009 League, narrowly losing to TP Mazembe. Sunshine Stars’ home ground, the Dipo Dina Stadium, is located in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State not Akure due to renovations in their usual stadium. Heartland FC’s nickname, "The Naze Millionaires," originates from the Naze community in Owerri, Imo State. Amuneke previously coached the Tanzania national team, guiding them to their first AFCON qualification in 39 years 2019.