'They Are Not Scared' - Nairobi United Ready to Take on African Giants in CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage

Nairobi United coach Nicholas Muyoti has explained that his side is not afraid after securing a historic spot in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage against formidable opponents.

Nairobi United are marking their maiden appearance in continental football at this level. This achievement is a significant milestone for the club, which recently earned promotion to the Kenyan top-flight league.

Following a remarkable run through the preliminary rounds, which included a dramatic penalty shootout victory over North African giants Etoile Sportive du Sahel, Nairobi United were drawn into a challenging Group B.

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Their group stage opponents are Wydad AC (Morocco), AS Maniema Union (DR Congo) and Azam FC (Tanzania). The group is set to be fiercely competitive, with Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC, a regular fixture in continental competitions, regarded as the group favourites.

Nicholas Muyoti insisted that he believes his team is not intimidated, and pointed out that he is pleased with their confidence, noting that competing against strong sides like Etoile Du Sahel and NEC FC posed a motivating challenge and could prepare them for even bigger tests ahead.

He added that before their match in Tunisia, he reminded his players that, although both sides had eleven players on the field, the difference would be made by the supporters off the pitch, but that was not a huge factor.

“For them, I think they are not scared, and I’m happy; my players are really confident through facing such players. It brings a challenge that if you can be able to go through a team like Etoile Du Sahel and NEC, I think what is ahead of us might be bigger, but facing those teams motivated us,” he said.

“Before we played in Tunisia, I was telling my players that we are 11 and playing against the other 11, and the thing that will make a difference is the 12th man, who will not be inside the pitch.”

Nicholas Muyoti added that the team also needed motivation, insisting that during the African Nations Championship, it was great to see the players being appreciated.

President William Ruto announced a historic and unprecedented financial incentive package for Harambee Stars.

The core of the pledge was a massive winning bonus structure, each player and technical bench member was promised KSh 1 million for every match won and KSh 500,000 for every draw. For a win against Zambia, they were promised KSh 2.5 million.

The stakes were raised further with colossal tournament prizes, including KSh 60 million for reaching the quarter-finals, KSh 70 million for the semi-finals, and a staggering KSh 600 million if the team lifted the trophy.

“I think with that kind of motivation to our players and our management have also supported our players and made sure they are in the right state of mind to face our opponents. This is very important,” he added.

“We even saw during CHAN; our president came out very clearly and motivated our players, and we also need that motivation. This is what our players need as we go to represent our country.”

The group stage campaign will kick off in late November and conclude in February 2026, with a pause for the Africa Cup of Nations.