Heartland Break Winless Run with Crucial 2-0 Victory Over Kano Pillars — Amuneke Praises Grit and Strategy
After a challenging run of eight winless matches, Heartland FC finally found joy in front of their home fans at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, defeating Kano Pillars 2-0 in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 32 clash on Saturday.
The much-needed win not only restored some pride to the Naze Millionaires, but also lifted the four-time NPFL champions out of the relegation zone, sparking new hope as the league heads into its final stretch.
🎙️ “It’s Not About Being Spectacular – It’s About Winning”
Speaking after the game, Emmanuel Amuneke, Heartland’s technical adviser and former Super Eagles star, lauded his team for showing resilience and tactical discipline against a seasoned side.
“First, I must confess that we played against a very good side,” Amuneke said. “Kano Pillars is a team with huge experience. Like I always emphasize, you must first find a way to contain such a team, then take your chances when they come. That’s exactly what we did.”
The coach emphasized that while the performance might not have been flashy, the result was all that mattered.
“It’s not about being spectacular in performance—it’s about winning and securing the three points,” he added. “That’s the most important thing, and I’m grateful to God that we were able to do that today.”
⚽ Turning Point for Heartland?
With survival in the NPFL hanging by a thread, this victory could be the turning point Heartland desperately needed. The team showed composure, focus, and unity, characteristics that have been lacking in previous outings.
Amuneke’s calm leadership appears to be stabilizing the dressing room, and this win is likely to inject new confidence ahead of their high-stakes oriental derby against Enugu Rangers in their next fixture.
💬 Opinion: A Step in the Right Direction, But More Work Awaits
While the win was crucial, it’s only a small piece of a larger puzzle. Heartland still has work to do to ensure safety, but this result showed they can rise to the occasion when it matters most. Amuneke's experience, both on and off the pitch, might just be the X-factor Heartland needs to finish strong this season.
🔥 From the brink of relegation to a glimmer of hope—Heartland’s fightback begins. Can they build on this and complete the great escape?
