Discontent is mounting among football stakeholders and supporters in Imo State as calls intensify for Heartland FC Technical Adviser, Emmanuel Amuneke, to resign following the club’s failure to secure promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The Naze Millionaires, once a dominant force in Nigerian football, have endured a difficult campaign in the Nigeria National League (NNL) 2025/26 season, marked by inconsistent performances and an underwhelming run of results.
Amid growing frustration, prominent voices within the football community and fans have openly demanded a change in leadership at the technical level.
Former Imo FA Executive Board Member and current Chairman of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) in Imo State, Ndubuisi Opara, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the team’s trajectory, insisting that the coach should step down.
“Honestly, i swear by my almighty God, without no grudges without anything, let Emmanuel Amuneke resign honorably, let him resign honorably, because, even if you pair Afoegbu of Oguta with Heartland FC now, psychologically those boys are going to win, Heartland will lose, look at a local Federation Cup, they couldn’t succeed, now think of Nigeria National League (NNL) next season, is it when it’s going to work?. We have tried it the first time, we have tried it the second time, this is Emmanuel Amuneke’s third season and no result, nothing good comes out of it, if not wasting of Imolites resources, tell me anything we have achieved, nothing. This is why he needs to resign” He said
Similarly, another supporter, Chinedu Osueke, voiced his frustration during a radio program on Darling FM 107.3 Owerri, saying:
“For the good of Heartland Football Club, Amuneke should resign.”
The growing dissatisfaction reflects a broader sentiment among fans who believe the club has failed to meet expectations under the current technical leadership. While Amuneke was appointed with significant pedigree and optimism, having enjoyed a distinguished playing career and international coaching experience, results on the pitch have not mirrored the anticipation that followed his arrival.
Across fan forums, phone-in programs, and social media platforms, criticism has intensified. Some supporters argue that the issues facing Heartland FC extend beyond coaching, pointing to deeper structural and administrative challenges within the club.
Collins Osuagwu offered a more measured perspective, stating: “Even if a coach like Mourinho comes in, the club still has deep problems. But Amuneke should step away now before his reputation takes a bigger hit.”
Others were more direct in their assessment.
“He should resign,” Mr Herbert from Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, said bluntly during a call-in segment.
Onwa of Chelsea also questioned the team’s structure and coaching impact:
“I don’t rate him as a top coach. One person cannot be doing everything. He took over, the team went down, and now they can’t come back up.”
For Nnako Leno Emenyonu, patience has run out completely:
“He has nothing left to offer this team. It’s time to go.”
Heartland FC, for the first time in their history, failed to secure promotion back to the NPFL after competing in the NNL, a development that has further fueled criticism and disappointment among supporters who expected a swift return to elite football.
As pressure continues to mount, the future of the technical bench remains uncertain, with many now awaiting a response from the Imo State Government through Governor Hope Uzodimma, as Imolites call for change
