Inside Nairobi United’s make-or-break moment as they host Azam FC
By Joel Masibo, January 23, 2026Football Kenya Federation Premier League side, Nairobi United, face a make-or-break moment in their CAF Confederation Cup Group B campaign when they host Azam FC at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, January 25, 2026, amid blackout threats at the match venue owing to the stadium management’s failure to foot electricity bills ahead of the crunchy tie.
Nairobi United’s CAF Confederation Cup journey has been a story of historic achievements, qualifying for the group stage for the first time, and upsetting established African clubs.
Continental pathway
Naibois began their continental campaign in the preliminary stage by facing Ugandan side NEC FC, drawing both legs (2–2 away, 1–1 at home) and advancing on away goals, a historic first progress for the club.
In the next round, Nairobi United played Étoile Sportive du Sahel of Tunisia. After winning the first leg 2–0 at home, they lost the return leg 2–0 in Tunisia but held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout (7–6) to qualify for the group stage, an upset against North African giants. Nairobi United were later drawn into Group B alongside Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), AS Maniema Union (DR Congo), and Azam FC (Tanzania).
However, after two matches, Nairobi United sit at the bottom of the group with no points, the same situation Azam FC find themselves in, while Wydad AC and Maniema Union have already taken control at the top with two wins each.
With only four group matches remaining, Nairobi United’s margin for error is thin, but qualification is still mathematically possible, based on their latest reinforcements made during the transfer window.
Winning against Azam is non-negotiable
The clash against Azam FC is effectively a knockout match. Anything less than a win will eliminate Nairobi United from contention. Victory would lift Naibois to three points and keep hopes alive going into the final three rounds.
Just as important will be goal difference. Nairobi United must aim to win convincingly to close the gap with Azam and potentially with one of the top two sides, should results elsewhere go their way.
Hope for a slip-up from the leaders
Wydad AC and Maniema Union have already sealed six points each and are favourites to qualify. Nairobi United will need at least one of those sides to stumble in the remaining fixtures, either through a draw or a loss, to open up a path into the top two.
If Wydad and Maniena split points in their remaining games, the group could tighten significantly, making the final standings depend on head-to-head results and goal difference.
Final matches must deliver wins
Assuming Nairobi United beat Azam on Sunday, they must also win at least three of their final three group matches to be on the safer side, regardless of the opponent. Finishing on at least 9 points would give them a realistic chance of sneaking into second place, especially if Azam also manages to take points off one of the group leaders.
Also, CAF competitions prioritise head-to-head records before goal difference. A win over Azam would give Nairobi United the advantage in that metric, but they must also avoid suspensions and unnecessary cards that could weaken the squad at a crucial stage.
Home advantage could be decisive. Nairobi United will need intensity, discipline, and composure, backed by a strong home crowd, to turn Nyayo Stadium into a difficult venue for visiting sides.
Meanwhile, Nairobi United’s path to the knockout stages is narrow but not closed. The team will be relying on the experience of their newly unveiled head coach, Godffrey ‘Solo’ Oduor and a key notable figures in the playing unit, led by veteran forward Benson Omala, to turn their fortunes around in the competition.