Rousing welcome for Nairobi United as team returns after sealing CAF group slot

Kenyan Premier League club Nairobi United, popularly known as "The Naibois", received a rousing welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday morning after becoming the first Kenyan team to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on their debut.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, the club’s patron, led the celebrations in what was a remarkable moment for him ever since he patroned the club through his foundation.

“This victory shows what our youth can achieve when given the right support,” Sakaja said. “We’ve risen from underdogs to champions, and I’ll keep supporting this team to reach greater heights.”

The Naibois stunned Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel, winning 7–6 on penalties after a 2–2 aggregate draw in Sousse. Goalkeeper Kevin Oduor was the hero, saving two penalties and scoring the decisive one.

“Our motivation has always been to improve,” Oduor said. “Governor Sakaja’s belief in us keeps pushing the team forward.”

Head coach Nicholas Muyoti praised his players’ resilience, saying, “It wasn’t easy in front of a hostile crowd, but the boys showed incredible character to enable us make history.”

The newly promoted FKF Premier League side has enjoyed a dream run — clinching promotion from the National Super League back in 2023, lifting the FKF Cup after beating Gor Mahia to qualify for the preliminary rounds of the continental tournament, and now advancing to the CAF group stage on their first attempt.

The CAF Confederation Cup group stage draw will take place on November 3 in Johannesburg, South Africa, where Nairobi United will learn their next opponents.