Nairobi United head coach responds to fatigue concerns ahead of Wydad Casablanca clash
Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 06.02.26. | 12:16
Since the turn of the year, the reigning Mozzart Bet Cup champions have conceded eight goals in all competitions, a run that has seen them fail to register a win in five matches
Nairobi United head coach Geodfrey ‘Solo’ Oduor has dismissed suggestions that fatigue contributed to his side’s 2–1 defeat to APS Bomet, instead pointing to defensive lapses and poor decision-making in attack as the decisive factors.
Speaking during his post-match interview, the experienced tactician acknowledged the tight turnaround his side faced but insisted that their shortcomings on the pitch, rather than exhaustion, cost them the match.
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The FKF Premier League newcomers had only returned to the country on Monday, 2 February, following their CAF Confederation Cup assignment against Tanzania’s Azam FC in Zanzibar where they lost 1-0, leaving them just a day to prepare for the domestic fixture.
However, goals from Anthony Naibei and Dickson Mwangi proved enough for APS Bomet to claim all three points, cancelling out a late consolation strike from Burundian international Muhadjiri Hakizimana in the only rescheduled league match on Wednesday, 4 January at Nyayo National Stadium, as Nairobi United slipped to a narrow home defeat.
Oduor was forthright in his assessment, highlighting his side’s defensive fragility and lack of composure in front of goal, issues that have increasingly defined their recent performances.
“We lost the match, but I am happy with the fighting spirit the players showed. We settled into the game late, in attempts to securing a point that eluded us” said Oduor in an interview with Azam TV.
“It is not fatigue. We created several chances, but it comes down to decision-making, taking responsibility and executing properly in scoring positions," the soft spoken gaffer explained. “We must also improve defensively, not just as a backline but as a team. We have conceded too many goals, and that has made it difficult to win matches.”
The defeat further underlined Nairobi United’s struggles at the back.
Despite scoring 20 league goals this season, they have now conceded 17, an imbalance that continues to undermine their results.
Since the turn of the year, the reigning Mozzart Bet Cup champions have conceded eight goals in all competitions, a run that has seen them fail to register a win in five matches.
That stretch includes one-all draws against Police FC and Ulinzi Stars, defeats to title contenders AFC Leopards 2-1, as well as back-to-back 2-1 and 1-0 losses to Azam FC in continental action.
Their only victories during the period came in a convincing 3–1 win over Shabana FC and a 2–0 success against KCB. The inconsistent run has dented Nairobi United’s ambitions of closing the gap on league leaders Gor Mahia.
Naibois currently sit 10th on the table with 25 points, 15 adrift of K’Ogalo, though they still have three games in hand.
The APS Bomet result marked Oduor’s first league defeat since taking charge a fortnight ago and his second loss overall since his appointment.
Attention now shifts to the continental stage, where the former Jamus FC and KCB assistant coach will be hoping to register his first major statement at the helm when Nairobi United host Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday, 8 February, at Kasarani Stadium.
