Nairobi United’s fairy-tale season could reach a legendary climax on Sunday, June 29, when the newly crowned National Super League (NSL) champions face record FKF Premier League winners Gor Mahia in the Mozzart Bet FKF Cup final at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Nairobi United has already achieved a major milestone by securing promotion to the FKF Premier League after sealing the NSL title with two matches to spare. But the Nicholas Muyoti-coached side now has its sights set on completing a historic double, a feat no second-tier Kenyan club has ever accomplished.
Victory on Sunday would not only see Nairobi United lift the domestic cup but also secure qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, putting them on the continental stage in their debut top-flight season.
Fairy-Tale Cup Run
Nairobi United’s journey to the final has captured national attention. They began by stunning 13-time champions Tusker FC 5-4 on penalties in the round of 32 after a 1-1 draw. In the round of 16, they edged out KCB 6-5 in another shootout following a goalless draw.
Their momentum continued with a convincing 2-0 quarterfinal win over Kakamega Homeboyz before seeing off Mara Sugar 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in the semifinals.
Now, they prepare to face 21-time league champions Gor Mahia, who are seeking their first Cup title since 2021 and aiming to deny the second-tier side a slice of history.
From Grassroots to Greatness
Founded in 2015 as 360 FC, the club rose from the Nairobi Regional League, which they won in 2018. A rebrand to Nairobi United FC in 2022 marked a turning point, but the major breakthrough came in 2024 when the Johnson Sakaja Foundation acquired the club. The governor’s foundation invested heavily in infrastructure, youth development, and player recruitment, fuelling the team’s meteoric rise.
“Nairobi United’s story is one of ambition, structure, and belief,” said Muyoti. “We’re not just here to compete, we’re here to make history.”
As Gor Mahia come calling, Nairobi United stands one win away from an unforgettable chapter in Kenyan football history.
Written By Rodney Mbua
