- Nordin Amrabat surprises Kenyan youngster Duncan Omala with special gift, a moment that highlights mentorship and sportsmanship beyond the pitch.
- The former Moroccan international has featured for top clubs including PSV Eindhoven, Galatasaray, Hull City, Watford and Al Nassr.
Former Al Nassr winger and current Wydad Athletic Club captain Nordin Amrabat has shown a classy touch off the pitch after gifting his match jersey to Nairobi United teenage sensation Duncan Omala following their 25/26 CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage encounter at the Kasarani Stadium.
Amrabat captained Wydad to a narrow 1-0 victory over Nairobi United, a result that sealed the Moroccan giants’ place in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals.
Despite the competitive nature of the fixture, the experienced Moroccan international took time after the final whistle to acknowledge the rising Kenyan star, presenting Omala with his match-worn jersey.
Speaking exclusively to SportPesa Blog, Omala revealed the reason behind the unexpected gift and expressed his surprise at the moment.
Nordin Amrabat surprises Kenyan youngster Duncan Omala with special gift
“After the game, he called me over and handed me his jersey. He told me that he really liked the goal I scored against Azam FC,” said the Kenya U20 forward.
The 19-year-old admitted that the gesture caught him completely off guard, especially given Amrabat’s stature in world football.
“I honestly did nothttps://twitter.com/r_abongo/status/2020550298691867097 expect it, considering how big he is in the game. He has played football all over the world from one continent to the other, so for him to make such a gesture really surprised me,” Omala added.
The goal that impressed Amrabat came during Nairobi United’s Group Stage clash against Tanzania’s Azam FC.
In the 12th minute, a precise delivery from Enock Machaka on the right flank found Michael Karamor, who cleverly released Omala into space.
Without taking a touch, the speedy forward unleashed a thunderous one-touch finish straight in the middle of the net a few inches off the upper section of the bar, leaving Azam goalkeeper Foba helpless.
The youngster revealed the Wydad skipper also offered words of encouragement, urging him to stay focused and continue working hard.
“He encouraged me to keep doing what I’m doing and to continue working hard on the pitch. I have not decided what I will do with the jersey yet, but I’ll definitely frame it,” he concluded.
Amrabat, the elder brother of former Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, is one of the most experienced players in the Wydad squad.
He joined the Moroccan heavyweights in May last year ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Over the years, the former Moroccan international has featured for top clubs including PSV Eindhoven, Galatasaray, Hull City, Watford, Al Nassr and Wydad, building a reputation as one of Africa’s most seasoned wide players.
Although Nairobi United went on to lose the match against Azam 2-1, Omala’s strike was historic, marking the club’s first-ever goal in the CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage. The goal was later crowned CAF Confederation Cup Goal of Matchday Four and attracted global attention, including praise from Amrabat himself.
Despite the growing hype, the Kisumu Day alumnus remains grounded.
“It feels great to receive recognition from a legend of the game and a player of Nordin’s calibre. He is still performing at a high level, and they have qualified for the quarterfinals and recently played in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Sharing the pitch with him and receiving such encouragement is special, but it also challenges me to work even harder in training and in every match,” Omala said.
Omala is currently enjoying a remarkable run of form for Nairobi United. He is the youngest player to score in this season’s CAF competitions and has registered four goal contributions in the CAF Confederation Cup, three goals and one assist including the preliminary rounds.
He found the net and provided an assist against Uganda’s NEC FC, scored against Tunisia’s Étoile Sportive du Sahel and was also on target against Azam FC.
His fine form has continued domestically, where he has recorded six goal contributions in the SportPesa League, scoring four goals and providing two assists, underlining his status as one of Kenya’s most exciting young prospects.