BY SAB OSUJI

Senator Hope Uzodinma, Executive Governor of Imo State, on Monday unveiled former Nigeria international, Emmanuel Amuneke, as the substantive Technical Adviser of the Naze Millionaires, Heartland FC, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Scorer of the two goals in Super Eagles 2-1 win over Chipolopolo of Zambia in the 1994 AFCON final in Tunisia in his first and only match of the tournament, Amuneke went on to score the winner as Nigeria U23s smashed Argentina 3-2 to emerge winners of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games men's football event, the first by any African nation.

The former Zamalek of Egypt and FC Barcelona winger, upon taking up managerial role, Amuneke managed Ocean Boys of Yenagoa (2009-2011), Al Khartoum, Sudan (2017-2018), Tanzania National Team, Taifa Stars (2018-2019), Misr Le Makkassa, Egypt and Zanaco of Zambia (2022-2023).

The 1994 African Footballer of the Years assisted Manu Garba in 2013 as the U17 Golden Eaglets snatched that year's FIFA U17 World Cup title in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE.

Two years later, in Chile, Amuneke guided the U17 Eaglets as they plucked their 5th World crown before a brief spell with Nigeria U20s, Flying Eagles.

On Monday,5 August, 2024, Amuneke was officially handed the mantle of leadership as the 'Scientific Soccer' side embark on a new journey in the domestic top flight, NPFL, following his appointment as the technical supremo of the five-time NPFL winners.

The 'Silent Worker', as Amuneke is fondly called, has been in town since he was shockingly denied Super Eagles coaching job.

The 53-year-old will be incharge as Heartland begin a new life in the NPFL after their reported acquisition of the NPFL slot of newly promoted Beyond Limit FC, Ikenne, Ogun State.

Although official joint statement by both teams announcing the take over deal is yet to be made, massive renovation of Dan Anyiam Stadium pitch and the floodlights suggest a move to ensure the facility gets the nod of the NPFL Inspectors ahead of the 2024/2025 season.