Governor Sakaja pledges more support for Nairobi United after Confederation Cup qualification
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 29.10.25. | 10:08
Governor Sakaja, who supports the club through the Sakaja Foundation, hailed the team’s performance, describing it as a proud moment not only for Nairobi but for the entire country
Nairobi United received a heroic welcome on Tuesday morning after becoming the first Kenyan team to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on their debut appearance.
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The team touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to a jubilant reception led by their patron, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who personally greeted and embraced each player in celebration of their historic achievement.
Hundreds of ecstatic fans thronged the arrival terminal, waving flags, singing, and dancing as the team made their way through the crowd.
The electrifying atmosphere captured the pride and emotion of a nation inspired by the club’s fairytale run in Tunisia.
Naibois stunned Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel 7-6 on penalties after a tense 2-2 aggregate draw, sealing their place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage and etching their name in Kenyan football history.
Speaking upon arrival, head coach Nicholas Muyoti lauded his players’ mental toughness and composure in a hostile away environment.
“It was not easy playing in a stadium packed with home fans, but the Naibois did it,” Muyoti said.
"We don’t believe in failure, and with the support of our patron Governor Sakaja, we have every reason to keep pushing for greatness.”
Heroic goalkeeper Kevin Oduor, who saved two penalties and scored the decisive spot-kick, credited the governor’s unwavering support for keeping the team motivated.
“Our motivation has always been to be better. Governor Sakaja constantly pushes us to excel, and his belief in us drives this team forward,” Oduor said.
Governor Sakaja, who supports the club through the Sakaja Foundation, hailed the team’s performance, describing it as a proud moment not only for Nairobi but for the entire country.
“This victory shows what our youth can achieve when given the right support,” he said.
"We’ve risen from underdogs to champions, and I pledge my continued support to help this team reach even greater heights.”
The newly promoted FKF Premier League side’s remarkable journey has seen them eliminate continental heavyweights to become the first Kenyan club since Gor Mahia in 2018 to advance this far in the CAF Confederation Cup.
President William Ruto also joined in celebrating the milestone, describing the achievement as a “monumental moment of national pride.”
In a statement, the President lauded the club’s courage, discipline, and resilience, saying their success had reignited Kenya’s football spirit and restored the nation’s stature on the continental stage.
Nairobi United will now await the CAF Confederation Cup group stage draw, scheduled for Monday, 3 November, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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