The Super Eagles head coach only recently returned to the country from his base in Europe, but he reveals that he has been keeping close tabs on the Nigerian top-flight.
Gernot Rohr has confessed his delight at the organisation of the current campaign of the Nigeria Professional Football League while also applauding the exploits of Rivers United, Enyimba International, and Nasarawa United.
The 2021/2022 NPFL season kicked off in late December, and after nine rounds of matches, it is shaping up to be one of the most exciting campaigns witnessed in recent times.
Eight-time championship winners Enyimba are the early pacesetters, sitting three points clear at the league summit after winning seven of their nine matches.
The People’s Elephants are the defending champions from the 2019 season as the 2019–20 season could not be completed and was cancelled following the coronavirus pandemic.
Second-place Rivers United have equally been exciting to watch, winning six games and losing the other three.
Both Enyimba and Rivers United clash on Sunday, February 14, in the last qualifying round of the CAF Confederation Cup, which promises to be an enthralling encounter between two high-flying sides.
Nasarawa United have also been one of the most unpredictable teams in the league, winning away to Heartland and Warri Wolves, only to lose their last home match to Enyimba.
Rohr is scheduled to watch the Solid Miners take on Akwa United at the Lafia Township Stadium this weekend.
High scoring encounters – Katsina United’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Heartland jumps to mind – and brilliant away wins have been the highlight of the NPFL season thus far.
A few of these games were broadcasted live on the national station Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Simultaneously, some were streamed on npfl.tv, a development that has seen an increase in interest in the top division from home and abroad.
Rohr wants the momentum maintained as this would improve the quality of the league and players.
“I am happy that the league has started, especially that we can watch anywhere in the world,” Rohr told the Nation.
“It is good that the players are playing now, particularly those playing in the continental competition.
“I could see that the two teams remaining in the continental competition, Rivers United and Enyimba, are doing well, and this will surely help them.
“Also, I am impressed with Nasarawa United, who are also doing well in the league. I hope this will give the players the opportunity to improve more.”
Sunshine Stars forward Sadeeq Yusuf, with seven goals in nine matches, is the league’s current top goalscorer.
Akwa United’s 22-year-old forward Ndifreke Effiong, with one fewer goal, follows Yusuf closely on the scorer’s chart.