Nairobi United Owner Johnson Sakaja Warns Against Complacency Amid Remarkable Confederation Cup Campaign

Nairobi United owner Johnson Sakaja has urged the players to remain grounded amid their impressive CAF Confederation Cup run.

Nairobi United became the only Kenyan team to make the group stage of the continental showpiece on their debut and is only the second club to achieve the milestone.

The Naibois started their campaign against NEC FC in the first preliminary round. The Kenyan team earned a crucial 2-2 draw away before drawing 1-1 in the second leg, played at home. The result saw Nairobi United progress to the next round on the away goals rule.

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In the second preliminary round, Nairobi United clashed against Tunisian heavyweights Étoile Sportive du Sahel (ESS). Nairobi United defeated the North African giants 2-0 at home.

In the return leg in Sousse, ESS staged a comeback, scoring twice to level the aggregate score at 2-2, which took the match straight to a penalty shootout.

Nairobi United triumphed 7-6 on penalties to eliminate ESS. The Naibois are the nation's sole representative in the continental competition this season.

Johnson Sakaja commended his players for making the club proud and exceeding expectations, noting that their unity, belief, and faith had been key to their remarkable achievement.

He emphasised that the team’s winning mentality continues to drive their success and reiterated his commitment to fulfilling the promises made to both the players and the technical bench.

“You have made us proud…you have gone beyond what many expected, but we know what we believe in as a team. All we do is win, and we thank God Almighty,” Governor Sakaja said.

“Before the match, I talked to the boys and the coach, and you know what we have promised you, and you know we deliver what we promise.”

Johnson Sakaja urged his players to stay grounded and maintain their humility despite their recent success. He reminded them to keep their focus and continue supporting one another as a united team.

Sakaja encouraged them to preserve their fighting spirit and underdog mentality, expressing his joy at seeing them compete among the continent’s elite.

“The main thing is to keep our heads straight; we should not let things get into our heads right now,” Johnson Sakaja added.

“I’m happy we have said no pressure, but let us remain humble as always, focused and remain with that spirit and being our brother’s keepers.

“We want to continue like that, and as underdogs, we never give up. Right now, we are dining with kings, and I’m so excited.”

As Nairobi United prepares for the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup, Johnson Sakaja has urged the players to celebrate the achievement but stay grounded.

The Naibois have already made history, and their continued humility and determination could see them achieve even greater success on the continental stage.