Nairobi United Make Bold Statement Before Taking On African Giants in CAF Confederation Cup
Nicholas Muyoti has shared a heartfelt message to fans ahead of Nairobi United’s group stage campaign at the CAF Confederation Cup.
Nairobi United FC made Kenyan football history by becoming the first club to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage on its debut appearance.
The ‘Naibois’ navigated two tense preliminary rounds, facing Uganda's NEC FC, and advancing on the away goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate draw (a 2-2 away draw and a 1-1 home draw).
In a major upset, they eliminated North African giants and two-time competition champions, Étoile Sportive du Sahel of Tunisia.
Despite winning the first leg 2-0 at home, a 2-0 loss in the return leg levelled the aggregate score at 2-2, sending the tie to penalties. Nairobi United held their nerve to win the shootout 7-6, sealing their historic qualification.
The draw placed Nairobi United in a challenging Group B alongside seasoned continental clubs, Wydad AC (Morocco, AS Maniema Union (DR Congo) and Azam FC (Tanzania).
Nairobi United Send Message to Fans Ahead of Crucial Match
Speaking on Saturday, November 8, head coach Nicholas Muyoti urged Kenyans to unite behind the team as they aim to make their mark on the African stage.
"We are asking everyone who doesn't have a team to get behind us and offer their support," Nicholas Muyoti stated.
"We are representing Kenya on the continent, and we hope to receive that backing. We welcome all fans to stand with us as we go out to represent the country."
The coach acknowledged the difficulties of competing at a continental level but expressed confidence in his squad's ability to meet the challenge head-on.
"The continental stage is a welcome challenge for us," he added. "We are striving to reach new heights and prove through our performances, both in the league and in Africa, that we deserve to be here."
Nairobi United's appeal followed an impressive 4-2 victory over Kariobangi Sharks, a result that propelled them to third place in the FKF Premier League standings and extended their strong domestic form.
When Does Nairobi United’s Campaign Begin
According to the CAF schedule released on October 4, Nairobi United’s campaign will begin with a tough away match against Moroccan giants Wydad AC in Casablanca on Sunday, November 23. The fixture against the continentally-experienced side will be an immediate test of their credentials.
A week later, on Sunday, November 30, Nicholas Muyoti's men will play their first home game against AS Maniema Union at Nyayo National Stadium. They will be looking to leverage their home advantage to secure crucial points before the mid-season break.
Following the recess, United will return to action on January 25, 2026, with another home fixture against Tanzania's Azam FC, a regional derby that is expected to attract a large crowd.
The reverse fixture in Dar es Salaam is scheduled for February 1, 2026, in what could be a pivotal match in their quest to advance to the knockout stages.