Okal and CEO Nelson ©Nairobi United
Okal and CEO Nelson ©Nairobi United

Nairobi United strengthen title bid with double signing

Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 05.01.26. | 13:09

With further reinforcements expected, Nairobi United have sent a clear message of intent

Football Kenya Federation Premier League debutants Nairobi United have underlined their title ambitions with a statement mid-season recruitment, securing the services of seasoned campaigners Roy Okal and John Njuguna in a decisive move to bolster their squad.

The reigning Mozzart Bet Cup champions have moved swiftly in the transfer window, roping in the experienced duo as they seek to strengthen midfield stability and attacking thrust in their maiden top-flight campaign.

Former Sofapaka FC captain Roy Okal arrives after an illustrious near five-year spell with the 2009 FKF-PL champions.

The defensive midfielder, who has carved a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable enforcers, is expected to bring composure, leadership, and tactical discipline to Nairobi United’s engine room.

A product of Mathare United, Okal boasts vast top-flight experience, having previously featured for record league champions Gor Mahia, 2008 champions Mathare United, 2006 title holders Sony Sugar FC, now defunct, and Ushuru FC.

His arrival is viewed as a timely reinforcement as Nairobi United look to remain compact defensively while controlling the tempo in midfield.

The former Mathare United midfielder’s presence is also expected to steady the backline and inject much-needed leadership into a squad navigating the rigours of its first FKF-PL season.

On the attacking front, Nairobi United have secured the signature of former Tusker FC and Ulinzi Stars winger John Njuguna, a move aimed at sharpening the club’s offensive edge.

Njuguna brings a wealth of experience from spells at two of Kenya’s most successful sides, having turned out for 12-time league champions Tusker and four-time winners Ulinzi Stars.

The diminutive but explosive winger, renowned for his pace and directness, will be relied upon to stretch defences and add creativity in the final third as Nairobi United seek to become a consistent threat in front of goal.

Njuguna, who won the FKF-PL title with Tusker during the 2021/22 season, had been unattached for six months following his departure from the brewers.

His exit came during a major off-season clear-out at Tusker that saw nine players released ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, including John Byamukama, James Kibande, David Odoyo, Boban Zirintusa, Deogratious Ojok, Mike Oduor, Lawrence Luvanda, and Luke Namanda.

The former Ulinzi Stars winger now returns to competitive action after successfully recovering from a knee injury that previously required corrective surgery.

Confirming the double signing, Nairobi United announced the acquisitions with enthusiasm on their official platforms.

“It’s official. Twice the talent, double the threat. We are thrilled to announce the double signing of Roy Okal and John Njuguna. Roy joins us from Sofapaka to pull the strings in midfield, while Njuguna brings fire to our wings. His hairstyle says it all,” the club posted.

The arrivals of Okal and Njuguna come just days after Nairobi United parted ways with several players as part of a squad reshuffle.

Those released include South Sudan international defender Daniel Bichiok Dang, Chris Opondo, Adams Nyambane, Lonny Amudava, Isaac Omweri, Frank Ouya, and Bernard Ouma, who has since joined the Administration Police Training College.

With further reinforcements expected, Nairobi United have sent a clear message of intent as they set their sights on the ambitious target of clinching the FKF-PL title at the first attempt.

A feat that has only been achieved once before, by Sofapaka FC in their historic 2009 triumph.



tags

Roy OkalJohn NjugunaNairobi UnitedFootball Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL)

Other News