CAF Confederation Cup: Nairobi United Coach Reveals Heavyweight His Team Fears Most in Group B Battle

Nairobi United coach Nicholas Muyoti has revealed the opponent they are most afraid of ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign.

Nairobi United have been placed in Group B, following their impressive preliminary round campaign that saw them overcome North African giants Etoile du Sahel and NEC FC of Uganda.

They will now be up against seasoned competitors, including Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), Azam FC (Tanzania) and AS Maniema Union (DR Congo).

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The Moroccan giants are the undisputed heavyweights of the group. Wydad are one of Africa's most decorated clubs, boasting a phenomenal continental pedigree.

Azam are an established force in East African football. They have been regulars in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminaries, but this marks their first-ever appearance in the group stage.

The Congolese side is returning for a second consecutive group stage campaign in the Confederation Cup. Their debut attempt saw them finish bottom of their group.

Nairobi United coach Nicholas Muyoti is aware of the tough group, but is notably most afraid of Wydad Casablanca.

Wydad Casablanca are three-time CAF Champions League winners (1992, 2017, and 2022) and perennial contenders in both the Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Facing them, especially in Casablanca, represents the biggest test of Nairobi United's fledgling continental ambition.

For Nairobi United, reaching the group stage was a massive triumph, but Nicholas Muyoti is not giving up on making more history.

“Of course, we're expecting a very tough match, and they're at home. Our experience with Etoile du Sahel tells us everything, but we are prepared psychologically. I think my players know who they are going to face, and yeah, it's not going to be easy,” Nicholas Muyoti said.

“Wydad is a big team. They've featured in the Champions League and the Confederation Cup many times. They're very experienced. I know it's going to be tough, but we're going to prepare the boys. We at least come out with something there. We really try our best, and anything is possible.”

Nicholas Muyoti added that entering the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time was a positive experience for his team, noting that the players had performed impressively and shown strong unity throughout the campaign.

He explained that many doubted their ability to progress this far, but the squad had surpassed expectations and proved their resilience by reaching the current stage of the competition.

Nicholas Muyoti added that as they continue their preparations, the team now has a clearer understanding of the challenges ahead and feels better equipped to handle what awaits them.

“It’s our first time in the competition, and so far, so good. I think the boys have really done well as a team. I think it's a big plus for us. We know what we're going to face,” Nicholas Muyoti revealed.

“I think from the time we started, there was no belief. People couldn't believe that we could reach this stage. But I'm happy we've defied the odds and we are here right now, and as we prepare, we know basically what we're going to face.”

Nicholas Muyoti explained that they will be facing highly experienced opponents, a contrast to his own largely youthful squad, but he views the challenge as an important learning opportunity for his players.

He reflected on his experience winning the FKF cup, recalling the difficult path they had navigated against some of the strongest sides in the Kenyan Premier League and how perseverance had carried them through.

Drawing from that history, he stressed that regardless of how tough the upcoming test may be, the team intends to approach it with full commitment and aim to secure a positive outcome.

“A very good team, very experienced. Most of my players are young, but I think it's a good experience for them. And as we prepare them, I just reflect and look back on how it was when we managed to win the cup,” he added.

“And it wasn't easy. We got a very difficult side from the KPL, top teams, and we managed. So I think whatever is ahead of us, we will always give our best and make sure we get something out of the game.”

Even as Nairobi United brace for what is unquestionably the toughest challenge of their continental journey so far, Nicholas Muyoti remains convinced that the team’s belief and hard-earned experience can give them a fighting chance.