The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season has kicked off with a bang as Heartland and Enyimba face off in the first Oriental derby of the season at the Dan Anyim Stadium in Owerri on Sunday.
Heartland, who were relegated last season, have made a swift return to the NPFL after being awarded Beyond Limits slot by the league board. The club’s most notable change is the appointment of former international Emmanuel Amuneke as their new head coach.
Enyimba, on the other hand, are looking to regain their title-winning form this season. New coach Yemi Olanrewaju, who replaced Finidi George towards the end of last season, has been tasked with leading the team back to the top.
“I can say we are ready, and we have no excuse now,” Olanrewaju stated on the club’s website. “The squad has been working tirelessly to integrate new signings into the team, and it’s time to translate that into results. We know Heartland, under Coach Emmanuel Amuneke, will pose a formidable challenge, but we are determined to start strong and secure a positive result in Owerri.”
Heartland, on their return to the top flight, has unveiled 30 new players, and Coach Amuneke is confident in their abilities. “We will be ready for Enyimba,” Amuneke said. “This is a team that is a work in progress with many new players. I am impressed with how they played. Experience comes with consistency, and they are on the right path.”
The last encounter between these two rivals was in November 2023, where Enyimba clinched a narrow victory, thanks to Stephen Chukwude’s decisive goal.
