Heartland FC Launches Global Partnership Drive to Rebuild Structure, Export Talent and Restore Club Identity
Heartland Football Club has unveiled an ambitious international partnership programme aimed at exporting players, boosting long-term revenue and rebuilding the club’s sporting identity following their relegation to the Nigeria National League.
Speaking at a media briefing in Owerri, Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke said the club is undergoing a deliberate restructuring process befitting its history and potential. He reminded journalists that Heartland — finalists in the 2009 CAF Champions League — still have the pedigree to return to elite football, but must now embrace modern structures and global collaboration.
Amuneke outlined a development-focused blueprint designed to create clear pathways for young players to be scouted and transferred to clubs across Europe, the Americas and Asia. He stressed that Heartland’s future success depends on adopting sustainable revenue systems, embracing data-driven development and improving player welfare. “This club has too much potential to remain where it is,” he said. “We must build a structure that can sustain growth.”
To drive this transformation, Heartland has partnered with renowned Dutch scout and football consultant Tom Sanders, who has spent more than 25 years working across African football. Sanders, who arrived in Owerri on Wednesday, observed Thursday’s training session and expressed strong optimism about the squad’s raw potential.
“I see a lot of talent,” Sanders said. “Heartland should be at the top level in Nigeria. With patience and Emmanuel’s philosophy, these young players can grow into top professionals.”
He emphasized the importance of adopting global standards in training, analytics and scouting, urging Heartland to build a data-driven performance library similar to platforms like Wyscout. He also noted that parts of the club’s infrastructure require upgrading if Heartland is to achieve its ambitions, calling for improved pitches, stronger academy structures and a unified football identity across all levels.
Heartland Technical Manager Amuneke welcomed the collaboration, describing it as a crucial step toward restoring the club’s status and aligning with his long-term vision. “Heartland is not a small club,” he said. “This is a team that played in the CAF Champions League and should be competing with the likes of Al Ahly and Zamalek. Many internal challenges have been addressed, and this partnership helps us take the next step.”
The initiative has also received institutional support. Imo FA Chairman, Barr. Ifeanyi Dike, hailed the partnership as a progressive and timely intervention. Drawing comparisons to successful historical collaborations between African and European teams — such as Ajax Cape Town–Ajax Amsterdam and ASEC Mimosas–Arsenal FC — Dike said Heartland’s new direction signals serious intent.
“We are beginning to do the right thing,” he stated. “For Tom to commit to building cooperation between Heartland and clubs in Europe and the United States shows that this project is grounded in serious football development.”
As Heartland prepare for their weekend league match against Edel FC, stakeholders believe the partnership marks a new dawn for the NNL side — one that promises improved player exposure, technical advancement, and structural rebuilding. With formal agreements expected soon, the club hopes the initiative will ultimately restore its legacy and return the Naze Millionaires to continental relevance.
