Heartland FC technical adviser Emmanuel Amuneke has admitted that his team struggled significantly during their 2-1 victory over Abia Comets at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Despite the narrow win in the Nigeria National League (NNL) encounter, the former African Footballer of the Year was candid about his side’s shortcomings, particularly in the opening period.
In his words, “I have to congratulate the boys as the first half wasn’t a good game for us, we struggled in the midfield and we conceded a goal from nothing as we were not able to mark them,”as he told the club’s media department following the final whistle. He praised the tactical quality of the visitors, noting that Abia Comets proved to be a “very good team” that made the Naze Millionaires work for every inch of the pitch.
The victory marks a crucial step in Heartland’s campaign to return to the top flight, as the team managed to find their rhythm after the break to secure the three points. Amuneke emphasized the shift in performance during the final 45 minutes, stating that his players showed the necessary determination to overturn their first-half sluggishness.
“In the second half we were able to play to get the victory,” he noted, emphasizing that while the performance was far from perfect, the primary objective remained securing the maximum points to keep their promotion hopes alive.
As the Naze Millionaires continue their quest for a swift return to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Amuneke remains focused on the long-term development of his young squad.
He concluded his assessment by reaffirming that the coaching staff will “go back and continue to improve on our game” to address the lapses in marking and midfield control observed on Saturday.
With the league entering a critical phase, Heartland will look to build on this gritty result as they prepare for their upcoming Matchday 12 fixture against Beyond Limits.
