Little is known to most of the footballing world about Nairobi United, a National Super League (NSL) side that has defied the odds to reach the Mozzart Bet Cup Final 2025.
Their tunnel vision could not, however, escape the watchful eye of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who, through the Sakaja Foundation, assumed control of the NSL team.
Coached by Nicholas Muyoti, the team has defied expectations, toppling Premier League giants and positioning itself on the brink of history.
Nairobi United has captivated Kenyan football fans thanks to their resilience, tactical brilliance, and penalty shootout heroics that have set the stage for what should be an enthralling final against Gor Mahia in the Mozzart Bet Cup Final.
Laying the Foundation
Nairobi United’s rise in Kenyan football began modestly. Founded in 2015 as Balaji EPZ Football Club, the team clinched the Nairobi Regional title in 2018, earning promotion to the NSL, Kenya’s second-tier league.
In 2022, the club rebranded to Nairobi United FC, signalling a new chapter and a bold vision to reach the top.
Sakaja’s Acquisition: A Turning Point
A pivotal moment arrived in September 2024 when Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, through the Johnson Sakaja Foundation, acquired Nairobi United.
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This takeover brought promises of significant investment in youth development, infrastructure, and recruitment, injecting new energy into the club.
At the official handover on September 27, 2024, at City Hall, Sakaja outlined his vision: to propel Nairobi United to the FKF Premier League and beyond.
He urged the team to “wake up, work, and think football,” emphasising a winning mentality.
The foundation’s support provided financial stability, enhanced training facilities, and talent recruitment, setting the stage for both NSL success and a remarkable cup run.
Giant slaying Mozzart Cup run
As an NSL side, they defied the odds by eliminating four FKF Premier League teams, earning the “giant slayers” nickname.
Nairobi United’s Mozzart Bet Cup campaign began in the Round of 64, where they secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Global Connections, a lower-tier side.
This win set the tone for their giant-killing spree, showcasing their ability to dominate and build momentum early in the tournament.
In the round of 32, Nairobi United was to face former champions Tusker FC. Nairobi United drew 1-1 in regular time and the match went to penalties.
Nairobi United’s goalkeeper Kelvin Odour emerged as the hero, saving George Kaddu’s penalty in a 5-4 shootout victory.
The next round, the round of 16, could not prove any harder as they were set to face last year’s finalists KCB FC at Dandora Stadium.
They battled to a 0-0 draw before prevailing 6-5 on penalties, showcasing their nerve under pressure.
Nairobi United had another chance to put their name in the limelight in the next round, as they were drawn to face Kakamega Homeboyz in what was obviously an epic showdown.
The match ended in a statement win for Nairobi United, as they won 2-0, clearly proving their hunger and the extent they were willing to fight for the cup.
Having booked their ticket to the Mozzart Cup semifinal, Nairobi United were drawn to face Mara Sugar, another top-flight side, at Dandora Stadium.
The match was a rather uneventful one, and it ended in a 1-1 draw, sending Nairobi United to their third penalty shootout in the Mozzart Bet Cup.
Goalkeeper Ernest Mohammed made critical saves in the penalty shootout, earning Nairobi United a 3-1 win and booking a historic final berth.
Coach Nicholas Muyoti praised his team’s focus and determination, urging them to stay grounded ahead of the final.
The June 14, 2025, showdown against Gor Mahia, the 2021 champions who edged Murang’a Seal 5-4 on penalties in their semi-final, promises high drama.
The winner will claim Ksh2 million and a ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup, a monumental prize for an NSL side like Nairobi United.
National Super League (NSL) 2025 Journey
Nairobi United’s 2025 NSL journey has been a historic one that will be talked about for years to come, ending in a promotion to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League for the 2025/26 season.
They kicked off the campaign with a 2-0 victory over Coast Stima, setting a strong tone. Their early display of cohesive play and defensive solidity hinted at a season of promise.
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Through the opening months, the “NaiBois” built consistency, blending experienced players like Frank Ouya (formerly of Shabana FC) and Michael Karamor with emerging talents. Wins against teams like Nzoia Sugar and steady point accumulation kept them in the top tier of the standings.
By mid-season, the team established itself as the frontrunners. Their attacking prowess, led by Ouya and supported by creative playmakers like Isaac Omweri, combined with a resolute defence anchored by goalkeepers Kelvin Odour and Ernest Mohammed, saw them rack up goals and clean sheets.
Their ability to grind out results in tight matches against rivals like APS Bomet and Mathare United solidified their lead.
A defining moment arrived on May 23, 2025, when Nairobi United faced 3K FC. Trailing 1-0 after Ronald Karenwa’s 12th-minute goal, they fought back with Frank Ouya equalising before halftime.
Ouya struck again in the 78th minute, securing a 2-1 victory. This win took their tally to 65 points, 10 ahead of second-placed APS Bomet with three games remaining, mathematically confirming promotion to the FKF Premier League for the 2025/26 season.
As of June 3, 2025, with two matches left, Nairobi United led the NSL with 66 points. Their focus shifted to finishing the season unbeaten at home and cementing their status as champions, a title within reach given their commanding lead.
Nairobi United’s 2024/25 NSL and Mozzart Bet have transformed them from a regional outfit to a top-flight contender in under a decade.
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