BY SAB OSUJI

On 10 April, 1994, Emmanuel Amuneke hit the winner in his only game of the Africa Cup of Nations final against Chipolopolo of Zambia. That year's AFCON finals was staged in Tunisia.

Two years later, precisely on 3 August 1996, Amuneke smashed home the match winner as Nigeria U23s, Dream Team 1, overcame Argentina 3-2 to emerge men's soccer gold medal winners of that year's Olympic Games. It remains the first and only so far by any African country.

Those two moments climaxed an amazing career of a hitherto underrated 'left-footed wonder at the international level despite blazing performances at club level that spanned through Zamalek of Egypt and FC Barcelona of Spain. Gloriously, despite wearing the Olympic Games Soccer Gold Medal, AFCON Gold Medal and a litany of clubs league silverware, Amuneke went on to scoop the 1994 African Footballer of The Year Crown. That was the highlight and glorious playing career path of the 53-year-old Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, Imo State born Emmanuel Amuneke.

After an illustrious and trophy-decorated playing career, Amuneke called time on his playing career and delved into coaching. And just nine (9) years after, precisely in 2015, Amuneke bred a team of U17 Golden Eaglets to win the FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile. That huge and surprising success came on the heels of the team's title feat in Dubai, UAE, in 2013 when he assisted Coach Manu Garba.

Not yet done. Amuneke was incharge when Tanzania qualified for the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, their first appearance in 39 years following their 1980 appearance in Lagos, Nigeria.

Since then, Amuneke has taken his coaching role through Sudan, Egypt and Zambia clubs.

Realising the maxim, 'charity begins at home', Amuneke patriotically answered the 'think home' call of his native state governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to come and 're-organize, restructure Heartland with a view to returning it to title winning ways and stem the tide of 'one year in NPFL, one year in NNL'.

Since taking up this ardous role, close observers have seen the club go through a huge inspiring re-organisation in coaching and management. In the capacity of Technical Manager, Amuneke has infused oxygen into all strata of the club. 

He has made sure that the technical department is filled with those that know about coaching, especially ex players. Their recruitment and coaching methodology is akin to what obtains in modern football, especially in Europe.

As if that wasn't enough, he has given Dan Anyiam Anyiam Stadium a real face-lift, with the pitch now super green-lush. Experts have been brought to handles that and players now slide on the pitch without fear on injury.

On Sunday, 8 September, 2024, Heartland will welcome perennial rivals, Enyimba, in the first of six 'Oriental Derby' ties of the season. With no fewer than five of the players that helped him win the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile now available for his selection in Sunday's match, Heartland look every inch a complete departure from the old order. Yet, Amuneke remains his most humble self.

"We're doing what we're supposed to do. It's in our hands as humans, to do our best, work hard and leave the rest for God", he tersely quipped when quizzed after one of his training sessions.

 

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