Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma has set winning the NPFL title as one of the targets for new Heartland FC head coach Emmanuel Amunike.

The Governor has called on the team to target winning the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title and securing a return to continental competitions.

Uzodinma, who recently unveiled former CAF Player of the Year Emmanuel Amuneke as the Technical Manager of Heartland FC, emphasised the importance of these objectives.

The Governor said at the unveiling: “We beamed our searchlight and we were able to locate Emmanuel Amuneke. He is an expensive coach but we struggled to plead and combining patriotism and love of state he agreed to take what we were able to afford. Heartland is a club everyone in the state is passionate about and a club we are all committed towards,” he stated.

The Governor expressed high expectations for Amuneke and the new leadership, noting, “One of the targets we are giving to the new leadership is that they must win the Nigeria Premier Football League title and also qualify for the continent. We are all specially committed in ensuring that Heartland FC becomes what it used to be. The days of Spartans FC and Iwuanyanwu Nationale where they occupied the top three positions in the league for several years.”

Uzodinma also mentioned that Amuneke will report directly to him to ensure smooth operational activities and avoid bureaucratic delays.

Heartland FC have reportedly acquired the NPFL slot of Beyond Limits Academy, marking an instant return to the top-flight following their relegation last season.