Heartland FC will begin their quest for a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) when they host Crown FC of Ogbomoso in their 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) opener at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Sunday, November 1.
For the Naze Millionaires, the encounter offers an opportunity to put two disappointing seasons behind them and give their supporters renewed hope of promotion.
Under Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke, Heartland have rebuilt their squad and worked on developing a competitive playing pattern during the preseason. Their preparations included victories over Supreme Kings, Die Hard FC, Abia Comets and Bayelsa United, a 1-1 draw against Solution FC and a 2-1 defeat to the same side. They also recovered from a 2-0 loss to Akwa United in Uyo to win the return friendly by the same scoreline.
Amuneke believes the early setbacks against Enyimba and Akwa United helped the technical crew assess new players and establish a tactical direction.
“The games were used to look at the new boys that we wanted to incorporate into the team. It was from there we started developing a pattern that we wanted to play,” he said.
The former Super Eagles winger is eager to lead Heartland back to the NPFL but insists that success must come through a gradual process.
“I also want us to be back in the NPFL as quick as possible. But over the years, with my experience, I have learned to understand that in life nothing happens without process,” he said.
Sunday’s clash will provide the first real test of that rebuilding process, with Heartland expected to use their home advantage to secure maximum points against the Ajilete Boys.
However, Amuneke knows that promotion will require more than winning at Dan Anyiam Stadium, stressing the need for consistency both home and away.
“We have to compete and, to do that, you can’t only depend on your home form. We must prepare ourselves to be ready for that,” he added.
With established sides such as Remo Stars and Sunshine Stars also in Conference A, Heartland face a demanding campaign that will require discipline and consistency.
While appreciating the expectations of Imolites, Amuneke has urged patience, admitting that his team still has areas to improve.
“We are ready, but we are also aware that we still have a lot of work to do. It is a work in progress. We are set and ready to compete, but we also realise that we must continue to look at areas where we have to strengthen ourselves,” he said.
For the Naze Millionaires, however, the immediate task is clear: beat Crown FC, claim the first three points and make a positive statement about their promotion ambitions.
