Nairobi United have received a timely boost ahead of their crucial CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage encounter against Azam FC, with new signing Benson Omala confirmed available for selection.
The SportPesa League side will host the Tanzanian moneybags’ on Sunday 25th , January 2026 knowing that anything short of a win could severely dent their hopes of progressing from the Group Stage.
Head coach Salim Ali confirmed Omala’s availability during his pre-match briefing, revealing that the striker has settled well since his arrival and is in contention to feature.
“Omala is available for tomorrow’s match,” said Ali.
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Benson Omalla cleared for Azam FC clash
The former Gor Mahia forward joined Nairobi United during the mid-season transfer window after parting ways with Cambodian side Visakha FC.
His return to regional football has generated excitement among fans, largely due to his proven goal-scoring pedigree.
Omala finished the 2023/24 SportPesa League season as the top scorer, a feat that underlined his reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in the country.
However, while Omala is available, Nairobi United will be without Rwandan international Prince Burepgeya, who is nursing a knock and will miss the clash.
“One player who will be missing is Rwandan international Prince Burepgeya, who has a knock. He should be available in the next two weeks,” Ali explained.
The Nairobi United tactician also hinted at possible CAF Confederations Cup Group Stage debuts for other new faces but insisted that selection would be based on readiness and tactical balance rather than reputation.
“I believe all the signings are capable of playing tomorrow, but it depends on how well they fit into the squad,” he added.
Beyond Omala, Nairobi United have been active in the transfer market as they seek to strengthen their squad for continental competition.
The club will also be hoping that Charles Waibi, another recent acquisition from Uganda’s NEC FC, can once again deliver in a familiar territory.
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Waibi was instrumental during the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary rounds, particularly in the clash against NEC FC at Nyayo Stadium where he scored a goal against Naibois before joining the club.
The club has further reinforced its ranks with the arrival of former CF Montréal left-back Mustapha Kizza and striker Titus Ssematimba, both from NEC FC.
Attacking midfielder Muhadjiri Hakizimana joined from Rwanda Police FC, adding creativity to the midfield, while experienced campaigner Roy Okal arrived from Sofapaka.
Defender Steve Biko, signed from Kariobangi Sharks, and former Tusker midfielder John Njuguna complete an impressive list of new additions.
Sunday’s encounter is a must-win for the Salim Ali-coached side. Nairobi United lost their opening Group Stage match 3-0 away to Wydad Casablanca before suffering a narrow 1-0 home defeat to AS Maniema Union.
With no points from their first two outings, the pressure is firmly on as they look to reignite their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
A positive result against Azam FC could not only revive their hopes but also inject belief into a squad that has shown ambition in their CAF Confederations Cup debut. All eyes will be on Benson Omala to see if he can rise to the occasion on the continental stage.