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Heartland FC head coach Emmanuel Amuneke has vowed to improve his squad’s tactical approach following their 2-0 defeat to Ikorodu City in their latest NPFL matchday 27 encounter.
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The loss dropped Heartland to 12th place, while Ikorodu City climbed to sixth in the league standings. Despite the setback, Amuneke praised his players for their fighting spirit, acknowledging that lapses in concentration cost them the game.
"When the result doesn’t go your way, you have to reflect. I didn’t enjoy the outcome, but I must commend the effort of the players. We played good football, but certain key moments of lost focus affected us," Amuneke admitted.
The 1994 African Footballer of the Year emphasized the need for continuous self-assessment and tactical improvements ahead of their next fixture.
"Even if we had won, we would still need to review ourselves and look at areas to strengthen," he added.
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With Heartland still aiming for a strong league finish, Amuneke is focused on boosting the team's commitment and consistency in the coming games.
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Editorial
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Heartland’s inconsistency this season continues to be a concern, and their latest loss to Ikorodu City highlights the need for better game management. Despite showing glimpses of quality, lapses in concentration have cost them valuable points.
Amuneke’s approach of self-assessment and tactical adjustments is the right mindset, but Heartland must translate these into results. If they fail to improve their defensive discipline and finishing, their mid-table position could soon turn into a relegation battle.
As they prepare for their next game, the players must embrace Amuneke’s vision, knowing that consistent performances are the key to climbing the NPFL table.
Did You Know?
Emmanuel Amuneke was a key part of Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning squad and scored in the 1996 [Olympic](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/category/news/interviews/) final, [helping Nigeria](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/category/news/national-team-news/) win gold.
Heartland FC, formerly known as Iwuanyanwu Nationale, has won the NPFL title five times.
Ikorodu City FC is a relatively new club that has rapidly gained prominence in Nigerian football.
Heartland’s biggest challenge this season has been consistency, with [multiple games](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/category/news/) lost due to defensive errors.
The NPFL remains one of Africa’s most competitive leagues, producing top talents who later excel in Europe and international football.