Heartland FC Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke has shifted focus to the club’s remaining Nigeria National League (NNL) fixtures after his side secured a dramatic late victory over Sunshine Stars.

Abdulateef Ibrahim struck in the 90th minute to hand Heartland a hard-earned 1–0 win in Saturday’s tense Conference A encounter at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, lifting the Naze Millionaires to third place on the table with 20 points.

Speaking after the match, Amuneke praised his players’ discipline and “perfect game management,” describing the victory as a reward for their persistence throughout the contest.

“For the moment, we are grateful. When we studied the fixtures, we knew there would be a period when we had to play three consecutive home games. Our objective was to win all three, and thankfully we achieved that,” Amuneke said.

“With four matches left — two at home and two away — we will enjoy this moment briefly before turning our attention to the next challenge.”

The former Tanzania national team coach said the win was particularly satisfying for the club’s supporters, who filled the stadium expecting a strong performance from the team.

“It was a very intense and emotional match, and our fans always want their team to win. I’m happy we could give them something to celebrate,” he said.

“Tomorrow (Sunday) we will go to church to thank God, and from Monday, March 16, we will begin preparations for our next game against Inter Lagos.”

Amuneke admitted his side could have settled the contest much earlier after creating several scoring opportunities in the first half but failing to convert them.

“We could have killed the game in the first half, but we were unable to take those chances. Sometimes when a team misses many opportunities, it can affect their confidence,” he noted.

“However, at half-time, I told the players that despite the missed chances, they had played very well. They remained focused, and their game management was excellent.”

Despite the victory — Heartland’s third consecutive win — Amuneke acknowledged the quality and organisation of Sunshine Stars, noting that the visitors posed a significant challenge.

“We played against a very good and well-organised side. They have a clear structure, especially when they don’t have the ball,” he said.

“But the important thing is that we remained persistent in our ambition to win. We controlled the game and kept pushing until the breakthrough came.

“When a team is able to control the flow of a game, it gives them an offensive edge — and that was exactly what worked for us in the end.”