SG Wattenscheid 09 secured the services of a versatile attacker in the summer in Robert Nnaji. Forecasting spoke to the 28-year-old Englishman.
After a disappointing last season with one of the worst offenses in the Oberliga Westfalen, SG Wattenscheid 09 was hungry for goals. Just a few weeks into the new season, the statistics show that “Nullneun” has gained more threat in the penalty area and already has twice as many goals to its name as it did twelve months ago.
New signing Robert Nnaji is partly responsible for this. The Englishman moved from TVD Velbert to Lohrheidestraße in the summer transfer window, arriving with a recommendation of 53 points from 120 games in the Oberliga Niederrhein. Early on in pre-season, it became clear that the center forward would be part of Wattenscheid’s starting lineup.
Nnaji quickly established himself and impressed head coach Christopher Pache with his versatility. Despite being only 1.75 meters tall, the 28-year-old brings unexpected power to the pitch, while also impressing with his quick runs and finishing skills.
Nnaji brings exactly what SGW fans have been longing for. This is also proven by his competitive statistics in the black and white jersey. In the first eight match days, the versatile attacker has already found the back of the net four times and set up three more goals. In other words, everything is going like clockwork in Hellwegstadt so far.
Forecasting spoke to the attacking player to find out why the start of the season has been so successful for him and what he appreciates about the traditional club.
Seven goals in eight games – why did it work out so well in Wattenscheid right from the start?
“The most important thing for me is to leave my heart on the pitch. I always pray and put everything I can’t control in God’s hands. The team, the coach, the sporting director – everything around me in Wattenscheid fits. A group of people who do everything they can to make you feel comfortable is not something you can take for granted. When that’s the case, playing soccer is easier. I feel complete trust and know that my teammates are fighting for me too. They already know my running patterns after just a few months.“
Why did you decide to move to SGW in the summer?
”I was looking for a new challenge. I’ve known about this club’s special character since I came to Germany in 2015. When the opportunity arose, I didn’t hesitate. We have great fans, and the new stadium is coming soon. In my conversations with sporting director Richy Weber, I immediately felt a sense of trust. As a player, you quickly get a feeling for whether you are valued. That was definitely the case here.”
You have over 100 games in the Oberliga Niederrhein under your belt, and now you’re moving to Westphalia. What appeal does the new league hold for you?
“I didn’t have much contact with the Oberliga Westfalen before Wattenscheid. I wanted to change that because you hear that it’s supposed to be the better Oberliga. Sometimes a change and some fresh air are good. The opponents don’t know me yet, the pitches are new. I’m open to surprises and really looking forward to this challenge.”
In a double strike with David Loheider or as the lone striker – which suits you better?
“I think I’m good at both. When I have a powerful strike partner who holds up the ball or plays it forward, I can play well in a two-man attack. David does it well, we always look for each other. I’m not the biggest player, but with determination and fight, I can hold my own as a lone striker. I always offer my team deep runs and they try to find me. The center backs hate it when you break through the line.”
What can the team achieve this season, what are the goals?
Our big goal is to break the 40-point mark. With that, we should have nothing to do with the relegation spots. The main task this season is to bring calm and develop as a team. We have a lot of young players in the squad who we want to help develop. That’s where I come in as one of the more experienced players who wants to help them and teach them something. The next step will then follow next year in the new stadium.”