Nairobi United, popularly known as the Naibois, were
received with a heroic welcome on Tuesday morning after making history as the
first Kenyan team to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on their
debut.
The team touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International
Airport (JKIA) to a euphoric reception led by their patron and Nairobi Governor
Johnson Sakaja, who personally greeted and embraced each player in celebration
of their continental milestone.
Tens of jubilant fans flooded the arrival terminal,
waving flags, singing, and dancing as the players made their way through the
cheering crowd.
The atmosphere was electric — a reflection of the pride and
unity that the team’s fairytale run in Tunisia had sparked among Kenyans.
Nairobi United’s historic moment came after they stunned
Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel, winning 7–6 on penalties after a
tense 2–2 aggregate draw.
The dramatic victory not only sealed their place in the CAF group stage but also etched their name in the annals of Kenyan football history.
Head coach Nicholas Muyoti praised his team’s resilience and
mental toughness, saying they had defied the odds in an intimidating
environment.
“It was not easy playing in a stadium packed with home fans,
but the Naibois did it. We don’t believe in failure, and with the support of
our patron, Governor Sakaja, we have every reason to keep pushing for
greatness,” Muyoti said.
Goalkeeper Kevin Oduor, who emerged the hero of the night
after saving two penalties and scoring the decisive spot-kick, credited the
Governor’s consistent support for keeping the team inspired.
“Our motivation has always been to get better. Governor
Sakaja constantly pushes us to excel, and his belief in us drives this team
forward,” Oduor said.
Governor Sakaja, whose Sakaja Foundation supports the club,
hailed the team’s remarkable achievement, describing it as a proud moment for
both Nairobi and the country at large.
“This victory shows what our youth can achieve when given
the right support. We’ve risen from underdogs to champions, and I pledge my
continued support to help this team reach even greater heights,” Sakaja said.
The newly promoted FKF Premier League side’s remarkable
journey has captured the imagination of Kenyan football fans.
Nairobi United have eliminated continental heavyweights and
become the first Kenyan club since Gor Mahia in 2018 to reach the CAF
Confederation Cup group stage.
President William Ruto also joined in the celebrations,
calling the team’s achievement a “monumental moment of national pride.”
In a statement, he lauded their courage, discipline, and determination, saying the success had reignited Kenya’s football spirit and restored the nation’s standing on the continental stage.
“The people of Kenya stand immensely proud of Nairobi
United,” said President Ruto.
“This remarkable
achievement, forged in courage and discipline, has reignited our national pride
and reaffirmed Kenya’s rightful place on Africa’s football map.”
Nairobi United will now await the CAF Confederation Cup
group stage draw, scheduled for November 3, 2025, in Johannesburg, South
Africa, as they prepare for yet another thrilling chapter in their inspiring
football journey.
