Head coach of Heartland FC, Emmanuel Amuneke, has described the Nigeria National League as one of the most demanding competitions in the country following his team’s 3–1 victory over Smart City FC, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Speaking after the match at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Amuneke acknowledged the intensity of the league despite Heartland’s impressive comeback performance.

“This league is very tough,” Amuneke said shortly after the final whistle, stressing that teams must maintain a high level of focus throughout the campaign.

The visitors made a bright start as Erikan Francis put Smart City ahead just two minutes into the encounter, placing immediate pressure on the home side in front of their supporters.

Heartland responded strongly to the early setback, with Jonathan Osondu equalising in the 21st minute with a well-taken strike to restore parity.

The Owerri-based side continued to push forward and completed the turnaround just before halftime when Gafar Ojo scored in the 45th minute to give Heartland a 2–1 lead.

Amuneke’s men maintained their attacking momentum in the second half and secured the victory in the 70th minute through Ali Sunday, who added a third goal to put the result beyond doubt.

The win provides a significant boost for Heartland in the ongoing NNL campaign as the club aims to improve its position on the league table.

Amuneke also praised his players for their determination and composure after conceding early, emphasising that consistency will be crucial as the challenging season progresses.

Abia Warriors have sealed the top three of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season after their win over El Kanemi Warriors, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Abia Warriors came from behind to defeat El Kanemi Warriors 2-1 at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday, on match day 37.

Mukhtar Ismail put the visitors ahead in the 45th minute of play as the first 45 minutes of the encounter ended 0-1.

However, Ojonugwa Adejoh in the 54th and Emmanuel Ogbuagu in the 70th minutes completed the comeback and the win for Ochendo Boys.

They are keep their third spot with 60 points, four points better than Ikorodu City and Bendel Insurance that are fourth and fifth respectively.

Heartland FC lost away from home, further jeopardizing their chances of getting out of the relegation zone after a 1-0 loss to Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

A goal from Chinedu Onyejiekwe on 50 minute.

Akwa United remained in the relegation waters despite their 2-0 win over Bayelsa United courtesy of goals from Endurance Ebedebiri in the 22nd minute from the spot and Kabir Osoba after additional time.

Uche Dozie

Abia Warriors continue their push for a top-three finish after a draw away from home, while El Kanemi Warriors and Heartland FC did their relegation fight a whole lot of good with a win, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Umuahi Warriors drew 1-all with Niger Tornadoes at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna after Mohammed Hussaini's 50th minutes goal was canceled by Emmanuel Iwu's 90+ 3 minutes own goal.

The win keeps the Warriors in third with a point better than Ikorodu City and two points better than Enyimba, who are fourth on the log.

Ikorodu City came from behind to beat Bayelsa United 3-2 in Lagos, while Enyimba beat Kwara United 2-0 courtesy of a brace from Brown Ideye.

Heartland FC defeated Plateau United 2-0 to stay afloat of the relegation waters after a brace by Suraju Lawal in the 17th and 75th minutes.

The win puts Heartland FC in 16 place with a better goal difference than Niger Tornadoes that are 17th position.

El Kanemi Warriors also defeated league champions, Remo Stars, 2-0 in Maiduguri to stay in 15th.

Relegated, Lobi Stars continue their winless streak after losing a goal lead before losing 1-2 to Nasarawa United.

Japhet Kundushima opened the scoring in the fourth minute, before Shina Kumater equalised on 48 minutes and Anas Yusuf won on 59 minutes.

Uche Dozie

Heartland FC put reigning champions, Rangers International to the sword to secure a win in Enugu on match day 33 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Naze Millionaires defeated the Flying Antelopes 0-2 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu to remain afloat in the battle against relegation.

Suraju Lawal put the hosts in front after 21 minutes of play with a superb turn and good ball placement to the bottom left beyond the reach of Goalie Lucky Abdullahi.

Isaac Nassy doubled the lead after 3 minutes of the second half after managing to nod the ball into the net after Goalie Lucky Abdullahi tipped the initial effort from Suraju Lawal towards his path.

That was all the Owerri based club needed to win the oriental derby and take all bragging rights away from home.

The win keeps Heartland FC 16th position with 41 points, same point as Katsina United who are 17th and 3 points ahead of Akwa United in 18th position.

Uche Dozie

The Oga Boys came from a goal down to win the Ogbomosho side 3-1 at the Ijebu Ode Stadium.

Moses Ngede put Crown FC in front 2 minutes before Waliu Ojetoye restored parity in the 39th minute to end the first half 1-1.

Salau Yusuf put the Lagos side in front for the first time in the game on 58 minutes before

Ayomide Cole consolidated the win in 87 minutes.

In Abuja, Enyimba FC edged El Kanemi Warriors 1-0 courtesy of a Christian Nnaji first-half goal to reach the last 16 of the competition.

Vincent Temitope scored with a powerful strike in the 21st minute to give Plateau United the win over Sunshine Stars.

Reigning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Rangers International have survived the fixture against Heartland FC to progress to the next round of the President Federation Cup.

The Flying Antelopes and the Naze Millionaires settled for a 1-1 draw at regulation time to move into penalties where they emerged 5-3 winners of the oriental derby at the Awka City Stadium, Anambra.

Shola AbdulRaheem's Goal in the 54 minutes ensures Kwara United progress to the round of 16 over Gombe United at the Lafia Township Stadium, Lafia.

Uche Dozie

The Umuahia Landlords defeated the Naze Millionaires 0-1 to earn a vital win in their season-opening match at the Dan Ayam Stadium in Owerri.

Despite an attempt by the visitors that hit the post, the hosts came closer to scoring, having two well-taken attempts saved by Sharp Uzoigwe in the first half.

The visitors were down to a man following the sending off of Emmanuel Ogbuagu after a second yellow card in the 57th minute.

However, the Warriors remained compact, getting the goal after 80 minutes of play through Ojonugwa Adejoh's well-hit free kick which sealed the win.

In Rivers, Stephen Manyo scored for Rivers Utd inside 7 added minutes to beat Ikorodu City at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Goals from Ayodeji Bamidele on 38 minutes, Anthony Okachi penalty on 45 minutes, and Samuel Okon's 77 minutes goal gave Shooting Stars the win over Niger Tornadoes despite Sunday Williams pulling one back for the visitors on 65 minutes.

Katsina United defeated El-Kanemi Warriors 3-0 at the Muhammadu Diko Stadium courtesy of goals by

Moses Achare 39', Lukman Bello's penalty 72' (PEN,) and Taofeek Ahmed 76'.

Uche Dozie

The highly anticipated clash between the reigning champions of the league, Rangers International, and league leaders Remo Stars ended in favour of the Rangers in Enugu, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The pulsating encounter saw the Flying Antelopes get the needed revenge for their loss in the first leg against the Sky Blue Stars at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

The champions took the lead through a direct free kick by Isaac Saviour on 30 minutes and doubled it through Kingsley Maduforo who scored off the assist of Kenneth Igboke on 49 minutes.

Sikiru Alimi reduced the deficit in the strike of 90 minutes as Coach Fidelis's boys held on for a vital win.

In Owerri, 3SC trail after 30 minutes of play following Chukwuma Agor's header which took a touch of an opponent to go past goalkeeper Lawal for Heartland to lead.

Adams Mustapha Agba’a leveled the score for the Shooting Stars on 80 minutes from the spot before John Bassey restored the host's lead 8 minutes later from the spot.

His initial spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Lawal who the referee ruled stepped out of his line and ordered a retake of the penalty.

Uche Dozie

On Tuesday, the Naze Millionaires defeated the giant killers, Dom Daniel FC, 3-0 at OISA Stadium in Ngor Okpala.

After holding Heartland FC for over 40 minutes, the team from Nekede, Owerri West conceded the first goal.

Suraju Lawal scored from a goal-mouth scramble after a good assist from Emmanuel Charles in the 42nd minute of the game.

It was an advantage for Heartland with a penalty after two minutes into additional time following a late collapse from Dom Daniel.

Dom Daniel's Goalkeeper saved Tobi Iyanda's effort from the spot kick, but the midfielder coolly slotted the ball home on the second attempt after the goalie's rebound came to his path.

Suraju Lawal scored his second of the game after lobbing a badly positioned Dom Daniel's Goalie for the third goal 3 minutes into the second half.

The encounter ended 3-0 as Heartland FC qualified for the final to face OISA FC, which beat Captain Marvel 3-1 in the other semi-final.

Uche Dozie

Heartland FC has reached the semi-final of the Imo State President Federation Cup semi-final following their win over Amanda FC, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Naze Millionaires defeated Amanda FC 2-0 in the quarter-final of the Imo FA Cup at OISA Stadium in Ngor Okpala.

After their round of 16 6-0 win over Giant Brillars 6-0, the Nigeria Premier Football League side started the game filled with confidence for another win.

The first goal came through Bobo Chibuike in the 15th minute before  Chigozie Nwosu doubled the advantage in the 86th minute.

The win sealed the Naze Millionaires' passage to the 2025 Imo FA Cup semi-final.

Uche Dozie

Title chasing Rivers United's poor winless run continued in Owerri following a loss against Heartland FC at the Dan Ayam Stadium, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pride of Rivers capitulated 0-2 against the Naze Millionaires courtesy of goals from two second-half goals from Christian Molokwu and Joel Okorie.

The first-half proceedings were dominated by the home side who could have gone up in the 22nd minute of action if not for the woodwork.

The dominance continued as Molokwu threatened goalkeeper Pius Ibrahim with a 29-yard freekick after Promise Anyanwu was fouled, but the goalie tipped away the attempt.

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke made two changes minutes later as Daniel Ekpo and Joel Okoro came on for Promise Anyanwu and Tobi Iyanda.

And two minutes after their introduction, the deadlock was broken at the Dan Ayam Stadium.

Christian Molokwu scores with an acrobatic strike following a rebound from Rivers United's penalty area from Christian Nkwo's throw-in on 63 minutes.

In the 74th minute, Joel Okoro's shot from the 18-yard box off John Bassey's pass rested at the back of the net for the hosts' second goal.

10 minutes Ubong Friday well taken free kick from about 35 yards away brought a magnificent save from Kelvin Ogunga to keep the scoreline 2-0.

Heartland held on for the win and stretched their unbeaten run to four games while Rivers United's winless streak stretched to 5.

Uche Dozie

Enyimba FC continues to struggle after losing another point at home against Heartland FC on Thursday in match day 21 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The multioke winners of the Nigeria Premier Football League came from behind to get a point at home against the Naze Millionaires in the Oriental derby.

The People's Elephant after 10 matches without a win in the league were expected to come into the game with intensity to get all points, but it was the visitors who drew the first blood.

Daniel Ekpo was fouled in the penalty area, necessitating a penalty call by the center referee for Heartland.

Daniel Ekpo stepped forward and buried the ball beyond the reach of Ani Ozoemena in goal for Enyimba in the 18th minute.

The first half ended 0-1 in favour of the visitors.

10 minutes into the second half, the hosts equalised through the sheer brilliance of Joseph Atule to make it 1-1.

The Naze Millionaires could have won the tie but for the brilliant performance of the goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena who made two point-blank saves in the 68th and 76th minutes of the game to earn a point for the Aba side.

The result keeps Enyimba 9th on the log with a game in hand while Heartland is 13th after 21 matches.

Uche Dozie

Heartland FC has bolstered their squad with nine new signings ahead of the second stanza of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report

Among the additions are Anthony Omaka, formerly of Sunshine Stars and Enyimba, who joins from ASVO FC of Benin Republic, and winger Daniel Ekpo, who moves from Abia Warriors.

Other signings include John Bassey (Bayelsa United), Kenneth Ache (Heartland Feeders), Stephen Ezeamaiwe (Bendel Insurance), Isaac Nassy (Doma United), Samuel Agu (Akwa United), and Terdoo Shimagande and Joel Okoro, both from Nasarawa United.

Speaking on the new acquisitions, the Technical Manager, of Heartland FC, Emmanuel Amuneke disclosed to the club’s media that he is confident that the new players would hit the ground running and ensure the confidence reposed in them is reciprocated with good and consistent performances.

Amuneke said the Owerri side will continue to grow from strength to strength. He also called on Imo people to continue to identify with the team through their support even during difficult periods (s).

“What we have done is to bring in players who will help us achieve our goals. We have judiciously picked these few to ensure that our performance improves in the second round and we call on Imo people to support us,” Amuneke told Heartland Media.

“We expect the newly signed players to blend with the rest of the team and offer us something different and better than what we got in the first round. We will continue to seek the support of our fans and supporters because without you we are nothing.

“We have worked very hard to ensure that we have an improved performance in the second stanza and we have no doubt in our minds that the second round will favour us.”

Heartland will start their second-round fixture with a home clash with Lobi Stars in Owerri on Sunday hoping to secure the maximum points having played a goalless draw in Lafia in the reverse fixture played late December last year.

Heartland FC media

Nigeria Premier Football League side, Heartland FC started their Imo State FA Cup campaign with a thumping of Nationwide League One side, Giant Brillars, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Naze Millionaires put the Giants to the sword with a 6-0 trouncing win at OISA, Ngor Okpala on Monday to reach the next round of the competition.

Heartland FC opened the score from the boot of Samuel Wisdom in the 26th minute courtesy of an assist by Emmanuel Charles.

Tobi Iyanda's long-range volley doubled the lead in the 40th minute as the Owerri side led 2-0 at halftime.

Samuel Wisdom capitalised on a mix-up from the Giant Brillars' defense to slot home the third goal and his second goal of the day after 9 minutes into the second half.

It became 4-0 in the one-hour mark following an own goal after goalkeeper, Ifeanyi Ugwoke pushed Chijioke Opara's long throw-in into his net.

Olanrewaju Molade blasted home the fifth goal from close range in the 68th minute before Bobo Chubuike made it six through a tap-in following a good pass from Chukwudi Agor.

Uche Dozie

Plateau United secured maximum points against Heartland FC in dramatic style in their Nigeria Premier Football League match day 16 fixture on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Peace Boys had to dig deep, returning after taking the lead to edge the tie 3-2 at the Jos Stadium.

Sunday Anthony opened the score early for the hosts after 5 minutes of play. Onovo’s corner went out for a throw-in, Itodo threw it in, and Kalu’s touch hit the bar before Anthony reacted quickly to score the opener. It was a lead that spanned the remaining duration of the first half.

However, events took a twist, as the Naze Millionaires turned the game on its head with two quick goals a few minutes after the resumption of the second half.

Tobi Iyanda scored a brace in the 53rd and 57th minute to give the visitors a surprising lead in Jos.

With 33 minutes more to go, a lot was still in store for the fans.

In the 69th minute, Anthony got his second goal of the day with another Itodo throw-in assist to bring the hosts back on level terms.

United sealed the win with a minute left to the 90-minute mark. Ibeh’s first touch from Farouk found Mancha, who delivered a beautiful cross from the flank for Mafeng Pam to slot into the net.

Uche Dozie

Heartland FC earned a hard-fought victory over Nasarawa United in the Nigeria Premier Football match day 15 encounter in Owerri on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Naze Millionaires piped the Solid Miners 3-2 at the Dan Ayam Stadium following a thrilling encounter that saw the hosts come back to win the game.

After 15 minutes of action, Promise Anyanwu opened the score for the hosts from a header courtesy of a long throw-in from Christian Nkwo.

However, Anas Yusuf volleyed the ball into the net after the defense of the home team went to sleep at the stroke of halftime for his 10th goal of the season.

The visitors got into the lead for the first time in the 85th minute, looking poised for a win, but Surajudeen Lawal restored parity for Heartland FC 3 minutes later.

Just when the spectators thought it was over, Christian Molokwu side-footed the ball home from the melee caused by Christian Nkwo's throw-in to steal the win 2 minutes after additional time.

Uche Dozie 

It was a week where home teams held their own to avoid defeat and ground out wins in the Nigeria Premier Football League match day 12, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Reigning champions, Rangers International had to hold their own to the win after their 3-0 lead was cut short to two against Bendel Insurance.

Goals from Godwin Obaje on 21 minutes, Frank Uwumiro on 39 minutes, and Effimi Nsi on 55 minutes gave the Flying Antelopes the lead.

The Enugu side had to endure a nervy end as Anthony Nnamdi pulled one back for Insurance on 66 minutes while Uchenna Collins on 85 minutes reduced the deficit to one.

In Kano, it took the fine display of experienced Rabiu Ali and Ahmed Musa to salvage a point against Heartland FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Suraju Lawal put the Naze Millionaires ahead in 51 minutes before Ali restored parity for the Sai Masu Gida side 6 minutes later through a well-stick free-kick.

Lawal scored again after the one-hour mark to help Heartland regain their lead, but Musa equaled the score again for Pillars with 15 minutes to the end of the game.

Sunshine Stars returned to winning ways with a slim over Lobi Stars courtesy of  Promise Awosanmi's only goal on 49 minute.

It was a clean job for Kwara United who beat Plateau United by two goals to zero courtesy of a brace from Emmanuel Ogbole in the 6th and 75th.

Their Abia derby saw Enyimba FC and Abia Warriors share the spoils after 90 minutes.

Clinton Jephta had put the People's Elephant in the lead after 9 minutes, but Adejoh Ojonugwa's goal on 26 minutes canceled the lead.

Uche Dozie 

Heartland FC continued their fine form with another win this weekend after beating Sunshine Stars on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Naze Millionaires piped the Akure Gunners 1-0 to record their third consecutive win of the season at the Dan Ayam Stadium, Owerri.

Christian Nkwo's goal on 8 minutes was all Coach Emmanuel Amuneke and his boys needed to seal victory on the day.

In Aba, Enyimba FC's struggle against Remo Stars continued as they were held at the Enyimba International Stadium.

The People's Elephant and the Sky Blue Stars settled for the share of the spoils in a goalless affair.

Remo Stars remain top of the log with 22 points, a point better than Rivers United while Enyimba FC are third with 19 points.

Meanwhile, Heartland FC have moved to 9th place with 15 points.

In other matches, Kano Pillars best Bendel Insurance in Benin 0-1 courtesy of a late penalty by Rabiu Ali while Lobi Stars thrashed Abia Warriors 3-1.

Kwara United also got an away win after beating Nasarawa United 0-1 while Niger Tornadoes beat Akwa United 1-0 as Plateau United and  Rangers International played a goalless draw.

Uche Dozie 

Plateau United was the biggest winner of the 8 matches played in the match day 9 fixtures of the Nigeria Premier Football League this weekend threashing Sunshine Stars, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Peace Boys scored 3 unreplied goals against the Akure Gunners at the New Jos Stadium to return to winning ways after their 3-1 loss to the Abia Warriors.

A dominating start saw the hosts make a couple of attempts at goal, with Sadiq Adamu orchestrating the action, but no goal came until the 16th minute.

Adamu took a free kick for the home side, but the ball missed Ebuka and fell into the hand of a Sunshine Stars defender.

Vincent Temitope stepped up from the spot with a powerful strike to give the hosts the lead.

Plateau United came close to increasing the tally on a couple of occasions, but it remained 1-0 after the halftime whistle.

In the second half the momentum continued on the side of the hosts and they finally doubled the lead on 66 minutes.

Itodo’s throw-in found Sam Pam, who made a shot, and Sadiq finished it off to make it 2.

The terror for the Akure-based team all day, Sadiq Adamu once again scored his fourth of the season to make it 3.

Saka Gafar distracted the goalkeeper and placed the ball perfectly for him to seal the win 3 minutes after additional time.

Meanwhile, Remo Stars continued their struggle away from home after falling to a 1-0 loss against struggling Heartland FC at the Dan Ayam Stadium, Owerri.

Peter Afolayan with a 71-minute strike sealed the win for the Naze Millionaires who go 16 with 9 points with the win.

Remo Stars remain second despite the loss with 18 points, 3 points adrift leaders, Rivers United.

Uche Dozie 

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has announced a change of date for the matchday nine encounter between Heartland and Remo Stars, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The match, initially scheduled for Saturday, 26 October, will now take place on Sunday, 27 October, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

In another development, the fixture involving Kwara United and Rangers has been postponed to Monday, 27 October.

The league organisers have not provided reasons for the postponements.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

After grabbing his first win of the season, the coach of Heartland FC, Emmanuel Amunike expressed his delight with the team's performance and resilience since the start of the season despite their struggles at the start, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Amunike joined Heartland during the pre-season after the team secured an immediate return to the NPFL, buying Beyond the Limit FC promotion slot. However, the team experienced a rough start to the season, going four games without a win, and on Sunday, the team experienced a change of event as the win came in a grand style against Niger Tornadoes.

Speaking on the win, an elated Amunike said: "First of all, I have to congratulate the guys. I think everyone put a lot of effort. The League League is kind of a marathon and when you lose some point or you lose some games, it's a kind of a little bit upset. But we are keen and we are focused in times of what we are trying to do."

"When you look at Heartland last season, a lot happens in Heartland and many players have left. So we're directing the course in times of having younger players that can serve for the future. Also, we all understood that when you are in a period of processing, it takes time for things to really work. But I'm happy for the players. I think also I am happy for the Imo light. We deserve this joy of moment. We have played five games including this, and we have Drew one here and we have lost three and we won one," he added.

"So all we need to do now is to go back and review ourself and look at the areas we continue to improve as a team, knowing that, of course in a team, that will always be moment of mistakes. So those moments of mistakes for me can't a lot and we have to go back. But we are happy generally that we won this game.

"It'll give us a lot of relief in times of our next game coming up against El-Kanemi and then that will give us more confidence going into the game. Some of our players are injured, but they're recovering gradually," the former Super Eagles player concluded.

Oluwayemi Omolagba