Ex-AFC Leopards winger Ovella Ochieng expresses love for Ingwe after joining league rivals
By Luke Oluoch, September 28, 2025Nairobi United winger Ovella Ochieng has admitted he still holds a special place in his heart for AFC Leopards, the club he ditched to join FKF PL newcomers.
The Harambee Stars ace was among the star players who ditched Ingwe for a novel experience alongside custodian Levis Opiyo.
Ochieng made his Nairobi United debut on Saturday, September 27, 2025, as the Football Kenya League newbies battled to a draw against Uganda’s NEC to advance to the second round.
He admitted to having a soft spot for the Kenyan giants.
“Shout-out to Ingwe fans, all love. I still have the team in my heart despite moving away,” he stated.
He also spoke about his move to Naibois, a transfer he claims came about after he failed to land his dream destination of returning abroad.
The pacey winger, who took home Ingwe’s goal of the season last campaign, expressed optimism for a fitter season laden with loads of goals.
“I had planned to leave for a stint outside the country. I did not perform well after being inactive for some time before I joined the local league.
“I am now looking to get down to business. I am fully fit now, and more is to come,” he told Sport Eye.
In Saturday’s CAF CC tie, Nicholas Muyoti’s side rode on Duncan Omalla’s second-half strike, which proved sufficient to earn a well-deserved draw to see Naibois progress.
The reigning FKF Shield Cup winners secured progress on the superior away goal rule following a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Uganda.
Despite missing Muyoti at the touchline in both ties, Naibois rose to the challenge with a remarkable debut performance at the continental stage.
Impressive continental debut
The team surpassed the record of the Kenya Police, who failed to advance past the first round in their CAF CC debut in the 2024/25 season.
Police FC, under Salim Babu, were held to a 0-0 draw at home and lost 2-1 away to CBE SA, exiting with a 2-1 aggregate defeat in the first preliminary round.