Heartland FC Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, MFR, has confirmed exclusively to Completesports.com that the Naze Millionaires have successfully settled the contractual entitlements of former Ivory Coast player, N’goran Roland Adjoumani Koffi, whose unpaid wages had previously led FIFA to impose a transfer ban on the club.
The Ivorian midfielder featured for Heartland during the 2015/2016 season, later claiming that the club owed him outstanding contractual payments.
Since assuming his role, Amuneke has prioritised resolving financial disputes and restoring order to the club, which had been burdened by debts inherited from previous administrations.
Heartland’s Readiness For New NNL Season
Speaking exclusively to CompleteSports.com in Owerri on Sunday, the former Zamalek and FC Barcelona winger stated that the five-time Nigerian League champions are now fully prepared for the upcoming 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, which kicks off later this month.
Also Read: Amuneke: Heartland Ready For Promotion Fight
“There are things we prefer not to talk about in the media, but the truth is that all issues relating to the Ivorian player, N’goran Roland Adjoumani Koffi, for which FIFA placed a transfer ban on Heartland, have been successfully resolved,” Amuneke said.
“Our focus now is on the NNL season starting soon. We are giving it our full attention and want to make it count.”
Heartland’s Improved Squad And Intense Pre-season
Heartland have played several pre-season fixtures and are set to face Christian ‘De Bull’ Okonkwo’s Calabar Rovers on Wednesday in Owerri, as part of the annual Dan Anyiam Memorial Football Tournament.
The 1994 African Footballer of the Year and 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach with Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets expressed confidence in the team’s recruitment and preparation.
“We have a very good set of players now—better than last season’s squad,” Amuneke noted.
“They’ve undergone rigorous training, and with God’s grace complementing our efforts, we’re ready and determined to succeed.”
Amuneke Welcomes Challenge Of Coaching In Lower League
Relegated from the NPFL last season, Heartland will campaign in the NNL this term. But Amuneke remains positive, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and revival.
“Life isn’t about never falling; it’s about rising again,” he said.
“Coaching in the lower league isn’t a setback. In Europe, clubs and managers go down and still fight their way back to the top. What matters is focus, hard work, and achieving our objective.”
Amuneke Praises Uzodimma’s Support For Heartland
When asked about government backing, Amuneke was emphatic that Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has been fully supportive of the club’s campaign.
“The Governor’s passion for the game is clear. He told me once that he was part of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games success story,” Amuneke revealed.
Also Read: Governor Uzodimma Appoints Amuneke Grand Ambassador For Imo Sports Development
“He brought me back from Spain to help rebuild football in Imo State, and I owe him honesty, hard work, and dedication.”
Amuneke Reflects On Family Sacrifices And Service To Imo State
Now based in Nigeria for almost two years, Amuneke admitted he hasn’t returned to Spain to see his family due to his commitment to Heartland’s project. Still, he credits his wife for her understanding and support.
“My wife understands the nature of this job, and the kids do too,” he said emotionally.
“The Governor asked me to come home and contribute to youth development through football—and that’s exactly what I’m doing.”
Heartland are placed in Conference A of the 2025/2026 NNL season and will begin their campaign with an away fixture against Osun United in Osogbo.
By Sab Osuji
