2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 22: League battle between Super Eagles' players pitch Amuneke against Finidi

Posted : 03 February 2025

It will be a battle between former teammates of the national team on the evening of 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 22, as ex-international Emmanuel Amuneke-led Heartland FC welcomes Finidi George-tutored Rivers United FC to the famous Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

Both men, former teammates in Nigeria’s victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations squad, are regarded as two of the finest wingers in the nation’s football history. They also scored in Nigeria’s debut FIFA World Cup campaign in 1994.

Their coaching careers have since seen them cross paths. Finidi was briefly appointed Super Eagles head coach earlier but resigned after a month, citing poor results and a lack of support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Amuneke, initially named as Finidi’s assistant, declined the role, which set the stage for this much-anticipated managerial faceoff.

The Naze Millionaires have had a torrid start to the league season, suffering many losses before they began to regain their footing.

It was not a record that Amuneke, one of the best managers around, would have wanted. However, it was a season full of disappointment as his young side failed to hold on to their grip.

Now, Heartland FC is finding their footing as they have climbed out of the relegation zone and now sit in 13th position with 26 points.

For Rivers United FC, they started the league like a house on fire and, for several matchdays, sat atop the NPFL standings.

However, Rivers are currently experiencing a downward spiral, having gone four games without a win following their hard-earned 2-2 draw at home to Bendel Insurance in Port Harcourt.

The Pride of Rivers have yet to win a game in 2025. Their last victory came against Kwara United in the first half of the season. Since then, they have earned three draws (including two in Port Harcourt) and one loss to Plateau United in Jos.

Thus, Match Day 22 will be a big game to watch to see if Finidi George will make it count when he visits his former teammate, Amuneke, in Owerri.

Head to head

Since 2022, Heartland and Rivers United have faced off a total of 5 times, with 1 win for Heartland and 1 draw:

- Rivers United 3:1 Heartland (14.09.2024)
- Rivers United 1:0 Heartland (17.03.2024)
- Heartland 1:1 Rivers United (01.11.2023)
- Heartland 2:0 Rivers United (14.05.2022)
- Rivers United 3:1 Heartland (24.01.2022)

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 22: League battle between Super Eagles' players pitch Amuneke against Finidi

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