Tag: Emmanuel Amuneke

• Ex-Barca winger urges Super Eagles to go for big prize of Morocco 2025

Emmanuel Amuneke scored  the brace that  helped Nigeria claim a famous 2-1 win at the expense of Zambia  at the  1994 African Cup of Nations- a moment he described as one of  the unforgettable memories of his illustrious career.  The former Barcelona winger and African Footballer of the Year said he was humbling  about his profound success in what was only his first and only appearance as a player at the AFCON. Having  also led Tanzania to feature  at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt , Amuneke  has urged the Super Eagles to brace  for what would be an interest 35^th  AFCON in Morocco, writes MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN…

Emmanuel Amuneke, former Nigerian winger and 1994 African Footballer of the Year, fondly remembers scoring twice in the 2-1 final victory over Zambia at the 19^th  Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia.

This win clinched Nigeria’s second AFCON title. Remarkably, this was his first and only appearance as a player in an AFCON tournament.

Amuneke  in a file interview with our correspondent, said he grew up admiring Nigeria’s  1980 AFCON win and the gallant 1990 team that finished runners-up in Algeria after a heavy opening loss.

  “My early memory about the Africa Cup on Nations was that  the 1990 edition  that Nigeria participated in Algeria,” Amuneke  recalled. “The way the team came back  from that  5-1  heavy loss to  Algeria in their opening game and bounced back to play  in the final where they lost   by  just 1-0 was inspiring.”

He continued: “ If  you look at the players and  over all set up of the  team  throughout the tournament,  you would see a lot of potentials  but at the end the day, the Super Eagles went all the way to the final.”

Led by Dutch coach Clemens Westerhof,  Amuneke was particularly impressed by winger Friday Elahor’s performances in 1990, which inspired his own international ambitions.

“In that   team we  had some  great players like Friday Elahor who was so exciting  to watch  with his strength and ability to dribble one -on-one and deliver  good crosses  to the strikers, he  impressed me throughout the tournament ,” Amuneke  noted.“ In fact, the  way he (Elahor) played  served at that AFCON in 1990  served  as an  inspiration to me  and it was a very great privilege watching that AFCON and seeing such a player.

“His performance  gave some of us the inspiration to play for our country ,Nigeria. That  particular tournament made a huge impression on me  and I could say  that was the beginning  of my  love affair with the AFCON.”

But four years , the 1994 AFCON  truly belonged to Amuneke.

Initially a bench player, Amuneke was patient and focused, eventually getting his chance in the final against Zambia. He delivered by scoring both goals that secured the championship. He attributes the team’s success to hunger, discipline, and determination.

 “I was privileged to be part of that team  that went to the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 1994,” Amuneke recalled  with glee . “That generation had a lot of   great players  in the squad and at the end of the day, players had to work their way to convince the  coaches   you can be counted  upon  at any given time.

 “I was so happy  after being listed in the squad  going to Tunisia  for  the AFCON; it was a very great opportunity and privilege for me and am happy to be among those  great players that represented Nigeria in Tunisia.”

He would  recall his  near frustration  as he watched his teammates  strut their stuffs yet  he did not allow the obvious disappointment :“Of course, I  was a bit sad not playing in any of the earlier games of the tournament.

“I  thought I was going to start the tournament but unfortunately I wasn’t playing; at the same time, I was honest and realistic because we have a very great team.

“Those that are playing deserved to play too; I was not discouraged because I was focused and hoped t I would get my opportunity , which eventually came in the final match against  Zambia.”

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The Nigeria versus  Zambia tie was the final match of the 19^th  edition of the Africa Cup of Nations and  was played in the Stade El Menzah in Tunis.

Regarded as  one of the spectacular  AFCON’s Final matches, that pitched  the star-studded  Super  Eagles  against the Zambians  who were  then  just constituted following the 1993 air disaster in which eighteen players and several staff members from the previous team were killed.

Striker  Elijah Litana will soon put the Zambians in the lead  barely three minutes after Mauritius’ referee Lim Kee Chong signalled the start of the epic match. Amuneke responded  with the equaliser  two minutes  after  and completed his brace of the day in the 47^th minute  as Nigeria won  her second  title  in a 2-1 finish .

“ You can say that again that the  1994 AFCON was one of the most important  part of my career  and the two goals against Zambia  were also  important,” noted Amuneke who  also scored the  Gold Medal match-winning goal   when Nigeria defeated Argentina  3-2 to win Africa’s first  soccer gold medal at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

He added: “Every player wants to win the AFCON but  it is always a special feeling for  that I won the AFCON  in my first ever  appearance  and  it was a   very great privilege  for me to have been in the team.

 “ The AFCON comes every two years  and It was important  I took the opportunity when  I was given the opportunity to play in the final match against Zambia; and it was pleasing that I was able to contribute the two goals that gave us  victory and the second title for Nigeria after the first  time in 1980.

 “One of the factors that contributed to our success in 1994  was the fact  that  a lot of us were hungry and determined;  we were also disciplined  both on the field and off the field, we were hungry to make name for ourselves and our country.”  

Now Technical Manager of Heartland FC, Amuneke cautions that despite being a “big brand,” Nigeria’s national team has struggled recently, including failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and being knocked out by hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the  Final Match of the last AFCON.

On the eve of the 35th AFCON scheduled in Morocco (Dec 21, 2025 – Jan 16, 2026), where Nigeria is in Group C with Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia, Amuneke stresses the importance of clarity, meticulous preparation, and focus.

“Things will flourish and sometimes there will be difficult moments; and this also extends to the Super Eagles,”  Amuneke recently told NationSport.  “ Our national team is a big brand and a household name but the truth is they have been struggling.”

He believes the Super Eagles have the potential to win but acknowledges stiff competition from other African nations.

 “The Super Eagles can win in Morocco but every nation going to Morocco also wants to win, so it depends on our level of preparation and how ready we are to compete with the rest of the continent,” concluded  Amuneke  who   made  AFCON  history at the 2019 edition in Egypt  when he led  Taifa Stars  of Tanzania  to their  second   continental appearance  since their debut in 1980.

The 35^th  TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025  is scheduled  to hold between  December 21 and  January 16, 2026; Nigeria is in a tricky Group C along with Tanzania, Uganda and Tunisia.

Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma has announced the appointment of former Super Eagles winger and Technical Manager, Heartland FC, Emmanuel Amuneke as the state’s Grand Ambassador of Sports Development.

Uzodinma announced the appointment yesterday while presenting his State of the nation address to Imo people at the Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) Chamber.

Uzodimma explained that the  1994 African Footballer of the Year Player has inspired sports development in the state, especially in the establishment of the Imo Dream Team.

“To further institutionalise this momentum, we appointed Olympic gold medallist Emmanuel Amuneke as Grand Ambassador for Sports Development, his experience and leadership have inspired what we now proudly call Imo Dream Team,” the Governor said in his speech. “Our support has not stopped at appearances, we have committed resources to sports infrastructure, coaching programs and grassroots scouting, creating a pipeline for future champions, while keeping thousands of youths constructively engaged.”

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Reeling  out his achievements in sports, Uzodinma stated  that the sector has been used to engage the youths for productive use and away from social vices.

He stated: “In the area of Sports, we have gone beyond ceremonies and trophies to deploy sports as a vehicle for youth engagement, unity and job creation.”

“Our athletes have represented Imo at multiple national and regional events, including the just concluded National Sports Festival and the NDDC Sports Festival, bringing honor and visibility to the state. Their hard work has yielded results, so far they have won 85 medals across different sporting categories; 38 gold, 21 silver and 26 bronze. This is a proof of discipline, preparation and determination to excel.”

Heartland Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, is perturbed over the Naze Millionaires’ wastefulness in front of the goal post in recent matches.

The Owerri side despite having the support of the vociferous fans behind them at the Dan Anyiam Stadium last weekend,  failed to win for the second straight home game following a 1-1 draw with Bayelsa United.

Amuneke admitted that with the numerous chances his players are creating in all the games they have played they deserve to be converting them better and that he is worried about the development.

“We came into the game with the objective to win but it is not about winning that I am worried about. If you look at the numbers of chances we created and we found it difficult to convert them,” Amuneke said.

“It is giving me a lot of concern. We controlled and dominated the game. I can count the number of times Bayelsa United players were a threat to our goalkeeper. But it is football and if you don’t get it right, it will look as if all your efforts are wasted.

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“It was the same in Lagos, we created a lot of chances but we were unable to score one. We witnessed the same against El Kanemi Warriors and it has happened again against Bayelsa United. I need to go back as a coach and look at the areas we must work on because if you score a goal and you can defend very well you will secure the maximum points.”

Heartland must get into the groove as they face Remo Stars in Ikenne this weekend in another league game knowing that they must avoid a defeat to dodge relegation talks.

In a related development, Bayelsa United head coach, Isa Ladan Bosso has  applauded  Heartland under Amuneke despite snatching a 1-1 draw in Owerri on Sunday.

He said: “Heartland is not a bad team, but we are able to soak their pressure being a team that plays physical game. We endured through their physicality and we almost got all points.

“I don’t see Heartland going on relegation because I think they have a very good machinery on the ground. The coach is my very good friend and I know what he can do.

“n as much as he gets the necessary support from the government and stakeholders around him,  I think the team can go places.”

Heartland Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke has urged his players to pick up their gauntlets and be ready to fight for the points in Lagos against Ikorodu City on Sunday in one of the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 27 games.

The Naze Millionaires were held to a draw by visiting El Kanemi Warriors in Owerri on Sunday but Amuneke has asked his players to put the draw behind them and focus on their weekend tie with the Oga Boys.

“We shall go to Lagos to aspire to win our game. We are not there for any revenge. They came here and got a point and so also we shall go there to play our game and if we can win there it will be a welcome development,” Amuneke told NationSport.

Amuneke blamed his players’ lacklustre display in the first half but noted that El Kanemi Warriors Goalie, Kolawole Oladipo pulled off fantastic saves to deny his team the maximum points.

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“We came into the game with the objective of winning. We were not clinical in the first half and we lost many chances. In the second half also, we lost some chances too. I must give credit to their goalkeeper (Kolawole Oladipo) he was exceptional in this game and in this type of game; you need your goalkeeper to be exceptional to do the job. We controlled the game but the goalkeeper saved them.

“Heartland has improved a lot. When you talk about the ability of a team to manage a game we are one of the best teams to do that.

“El Kanemi Warriors are a very good side. They are always ready to play and they are not afraid to play even in a tight corner and this makes them dangerous. We will go back to analyse ourselves and look back at the areas we need to improve before our next game,” he added.

Heartland  Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke has praised  his players for not losing focus at the crucial moment in Sunday’s 2-1 home win over Shooting Stars in a NPFL Matchday 24 fixture in Owerri.

The Naze Millionaires defeated the Oluyole Warriors through Chukwuma Agor and John Bassey goals in the 31^st  and 88^th  minutes with Mustapha Adam’s 80^th  minute spot kick a mere consolation for the visitors.

Amuneke while speaking to journalists shortly after the encounter,  said his boys showed the zeal and determination to seal the three points and that despite the shenanigans of the centre referee, Kolawole Emmanuel, the boys were never troubled.

“We were eager to get the three points and we were aware Shooting Stars are a good side and won’t allow us to have our way easily,” Amuneke told journalists in Owerri.

“We planned for them and almost throughout the entire game, they were never a threat to our team. We were able to control the game from the beginning. It was unfortunate how the game ended. We were just focussed on the three points and we are thrilled we got it. It was a very good game from both sides but we subjected them to constant pressure almost throughout the game.”

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While he was asked if he believed his boys could finish the season impressively, Amuneke was evasive but noted that he and his players would continue to work harder.

“Everything in line is possible but we know that nothing happens without hard work. We will continue to work harder and continue to see how we can grow as a team. We have a lot of young players in the team. Some of them just got their topflight breakthrough. 

“We didn’t lose focus at the time of the controversies. We continued to do the same thing we have been doing and taking the game to them.”

Heartland Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, has revealed that the quick integration of the newly signed players has helped to ensure the Naze Millionaires began the second round with a flourish.

The Naze Millionaires are unbeaten in the last four games including three games of the second stanza of the season and Amuneke who spoke with Heartland Media in Katsina reckoned that it was easier to convince the new players to join because they wanted to play for the club.

Amuneke also thumbed up the retained players for making the integration of the new players to be seamless.

“It is a good thing the newly added players have adjusted well because they really want to come and play for Heartland FC,” Amuneke said. “It’s very important and key to every team’s structure whereby you have players who really want to play for us regardless of where they were coming from.

“I must praise the players they met who created a good environment for the new players to quickly adapt.”

The former Zamalek and Barcelona winger affirmed Heartland’s readiness to face Katsina United irrespective of the long journey they had to endure.

The 1994 CAF Player of Year winner rued the absence of Christian Molokwu who activated a game suspension after he was booked against Rivers United last weekend.

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“We are prepared and ready for the game though the journey was stressful but we are aware of what brought us to Katsina and the boys are ready to give their best.

“Molokwu is a very important player in the team but it is expected that in his absence others should assume responsibilities. We will miss him but the other players are ready to play.”

Meanwhile, former Katsina United defender, Chinedu Ozor has disclosed that he is with Heartland in Katsina to prove to his former employers that he is now an improved player than the one that played for them last season’s first stanza of the league.

Ozor spent the first part of the season with the Chanji Boys before  joining Heartland and the defender disclosed ahead of the game at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium today that the Naze Millionaires have come with the conviction to return to Owerri with the three points.

“I feel good coming up against Katsina United having played for them in the first stanza of last season before I joined Heartland,” Ozor said.

“Katsina United are a good side and I loved the team when I was there. I always like to prove a point against them so that they will know that I still have something to offer.

“We will try our best to return home with the three points. The weather will not affect the team because the sun may be harsh at game time but we are playing this same time with them and nobody is used to the sun or harsh conditions. I believe if we come out fully, we will outplay them and get the points.

Heartland  Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, has stated that the emergence of Ademola Lookman as the 2024 CAF Player of the Year showed Nigerian football is on the rise again and that a lot must be done to sustain standards.

Lookman, the Atalanta of Italy winger beat other four African players including Achraf Hakimi of Morocco to the coveted crown to replace his compatriot, Victor Osimhen who won the accolade last year.

Amuneke, a  1994  CAF Award winner while with Zamalek of Egypt, affirmed that it was good tidings that Lookman won the award to make it back-to-back success  for Nigeria after Victor Osimhen  success of 2023, adding  beyond the award, the handlers of the sport in Nigeria must ensure the standard is maintained for the country to continue to produce more talents that can rival other African countries. 

“We are all happy for Ademola Lookman for winning the award for Nigeria again. He excelled in the outgoing year and deserved to be recognized  irrespective of the opposition he faced,” Amuneke told NationSport. “His victory showed that Nigerian football is on the rise but a lot must be done to maintain this. It was Osimhen last year and it is the turn of Lookman this year. Who knows who could be next?

“It was never in doubt that I Lookman would win it based on his fantastic year including scoring three goals in the final of the UEFA Europa League against a then unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen. We have good players in Nigeria and Africa. I was still playing in Africa when I won the same award in 1994.”

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Amuneke said it was a nice concept that Lookman wore  the Yoruba  native Agbada attire to the award ceremony as he showcased Nigeria’s rich  culture but he noted that no one should begrudge any African that decides to wear suit regalia or any other of his choice to the award ceremony.

The former Barcelona of Spain winger affirmed that Nigerian players still have what it takes to win the award for a third straight year if they can improve on their present performances in Europe with the 2025 AFCON coming in December next year through January 2026 and may not be used to rate the nominees for the next edition.

“Nigeria has players who are presently doing well in Europe and who still have the potential to raise the bar before the next award ceremony. Victor Osimhen is doing well for Galatasaray and may take back the award if he improves more than he is doing presently and also stays fit.

“Lookman too has begun the season impressively and could retain it if he maintains his current form. We also have other Nigerians coming up too,” he concluded.

Amuneke also thumbed up Imo born Chiamaka Nnadozie who retained the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award she won also last year.

He said the Goalie has displayed exceptional quality over the years and that CAF was right to vote her as the Best Goalkeeper in Africa again.

Heartland head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, believes the Naze Millionaires will continue to grow despite  their  narrow  3-2 loss  to Plateau United in Jos on Sunday evening.

The game, a Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 16, was filled with spectacle and action packed at the New Jos Stadium with both sides matching each other skills for skills and toe and for toe as the tie produced five goals.

Sunday Anthony put the home side in the lead in the fifth minute and the lone goal was sustained till the end of the first half. The game took another dimension in the second half with Tobi Iyanda scoring two early goals to put the Naze Millionaires in the ascendancy with his goals in the 53^rd  and 57^th  minutes. Anthony again benefitted from Daniel Itodo’s long throw-in to score his second of the game in the 69^th  minute. The Peace Boys’ first goal came from the same Itodo’s long throw-in.

Mafeng Pam’s 90^th  minute strike settled the contest for Plateau United from another goal mouth scramble.

Speaking after the game, Amuneke praised the fighting spirits of both teams while also having special plaudits for Plateau United who made use of their potent long throw ins to get the job done.

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He  noted that Heartland would have got a positive result from the encounter had the players held their nerves in the closing stages of the game while adding that they would return to Owerri to make needed corrections to the lapses noticed before their weekend tie with Bendel Insurance.

“I have to congratulate Plateau United. They played very good football. Like I keep on emphasising if we want our football to grow, we must get a standard,” Amuneke said. “It was a very interesting game. Both teams played very well. Plateau United used what they have in terms of long throw- in to achieve their objective. We scored very beautiful goals but unfortunately the players lost concentration in the late minute of the game.

“It is football and we will continue to grow. The league is like a marathon and what we owe ourselves is for us to continue to seek improvement and see areas to further develop ourselves.”

Plateau United have moved out of the relegation by the victory. They are 15th with 18 points but Heartland have slipped to the 13^th  spot with 20 points.

Plateau United will face Lobi Stars in Lafia in another North Central derby while Heartland FC are at home to Bendel Insurance.

Heartland Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, has challenged his wards to continue to muscle their ways towards getting positive results, stating they won’t have an easy game in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League season.

The five-time Nigerian champions defeated struggling Nasarawa United 3-2 but the victory never came easy with the Naze Millionaires requiring two minutes into stoppage time to secure their most dramatic victory of the 2024-25 NPFL season on Sunday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

The former Nigeria international  heaped praise on his players for demonstrating the  ‘character and mentality’ necessary to clinch the win despite a difficult outcome.

 “We want to win our games,” Amuneke said. “Since I joined this team, I’ve worked to train the players to understand that ‘success is not a straight line’ and that nothing in life is achieved without hard work. That’s the path I follow.

 “If you know me as both a player and a coach, you’ll understand that I have always followed that path, even when the journey seemed rough and unfavourable.”

Heartland clawed their way back from the brink of defeat to snatch all three points against Kabiru Dogo’s Nasarawa United.

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Promise Anyanwu handed the home side the lead a quarter of an hour into the match, but Anas Yusuf equalised for the Solid Miners on the stroke of half-time.

With just five minutes to go, Garba Abubakar shocked the packed Dan Anyiam Stadium with a goal that put Nasarawa United ahead. However, Surajudeen Lawal restored parity for Heartland just two minutes later. When it seemed the teams were destined to share the spoils, Christian Molokwu netted the match-winner deep into added time.

The thrilling contest left spectators stunned, as many believed the match would end in a stalemate before Molokwu’s late heroics.

 “In football, sometimes you must abandon the tactical approach and rely on the ‘character’ and ‘mentality’ you have as a team,” Amuneke said. “When you look at Nasarawa United’s position, it’s deceptive compared to their quality. They play good, attractive football and have confident players who can build from the back and excel up front. Sometimes, football doesn’t favour you, and I think that’s what’s happening to them.”

Reflecting on the Matchday 15 clash, Amuneke acknowledged his team’s struggles in the first half.

 “We struggled a lot in the first half, probably because we approached the game emotionally, wanting to win so badly that it affected our performance. As the game progressed, Nasarawa United grew in confidence, and we must respect what they demonstrated today,” he said.

In the second half, Heartland relied on their fighting spirit to overturn the game.

 “We made some changes, and the players brought out their best in terms of spirit and determination to secure the result we desired,” he added.

Amuneke expressed gratitude to the fans and the Imo State supporters.

 “Even when the game wasn’t going our way, the fans kept cheering. I’m happy we made them go home happy,” Amuneke concluded.

Heartland’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke , has admitted that his boys were still work in progress  despite earning their first away win of the season against Abia Warriors in Umuahia on Sunday.

It was the Naze Millionaires’ first away win in Umuahia since Abia Warriors formation in 2003 and a delighted Amuneke disclosed that he was thrilled they achieved their intended objectives of winning the game.

The 1994 CAF African  Player of the Year thumbed up the performance of Abia Warriors under Imama Amapakabo noting that the team made the game difficult for his boys especially in the first half that had numerous chances to score.

“I will say we are happy. We came here with an objective to win the game and we achieved that. We also need to recognise the Abia Warriors team. They played well and gave us a lot of problems mostly in the first half but we were able to manage the situation,” Amuneke told journalists in Umuahia.

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“Oriental derby should be brotherly game but unfortunately everyone wants to win in football. We are more than determined to get out of the position we are currently are.

“We respect Abia Warriors a lot and the coach, Imama is a brother to me. We have spent time in the national team together. Bethel also I played with him. When we started this journey, a  lot of people never believed in the players and the journey but we were focused knowing that nothing happens without a process.”

Amuneke urged his boys not rest on the away win but to make corrections to the areas they were found wanting in Umuahia before their weekend’s tie with Sunshine Stars in Owerri.

“We shall go back home, make corrections and prepare very well for Sunshine Stars.”