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Why former Arsenal midfielder is backing Nairobi United to shine in CAF Confederation Cup group stage
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 04.11.25. | 13:03
On paper, Nairobi United are the lowest-ranked side in Group B of the tournament
Former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder Alex Song believes Kenya’s Nairobi United have what it takes to reach the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup, following Monday’s group stage draw conducted in South Africa.
Nairobi United, fondly known as Naibois, are making their debut in the competition after defying all odds to qualify for the group stage.
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The team has been placed in Group B alongside Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club, AS Maniema of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania’s Azam FC.
The group matches will kick off in just under two weeks.
Naibois stunned many when they became only the second Kenyan club after Gor Mahia to reach the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Kenyan debutants eliminated Uganda’s NEC FC in the preliminary round before pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the qualifiers, knocking out Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel to book their place in the group stage.
On paper, Nairobi United are the lowest-ranked side in the group, with Wydad and Maniema considered favorites to progress. Song, however, believes that the playing field in African football has become more even and insists that no team should be underestimated.
“When I look at all these groups, I think everyone has a real opportunity,” said Song, who conducted the draw alongside Zambian legend Christopher Katongo. Football in Africa has grown a lot, and you can see that from what happened at the last World Cup. You cannot take anything for granted anymore,” he added.
The former Cameroon international added that football often rewards determination more than reputation and that teams like Nairobi United have every chance to surprise the continent.
“Sometimes people think certain teams do not have the quality, but football always surprises you. This is a great opportunity for these clubs to show their progress and ambition,” he said.
Song also reflected on his decision to move from Europe to play in the Djiboutian Premier League in 2020, where he featured until 2023.
He revealed that he had options in the Middle East but deliberately chose to play in Africa to give back to the continent that shaped his career.
“I was lucky to have grown up in Europe and played at the highest level, but I had never played club football in Africa,” he said.
“When I was nearing the end of my career, I told myself I wanted to play in Africa. I had the option to go to Dubai or to Djibouti, and I chose Djibouti. People asked me, ‘Why are you doing that?’ and I said it is because I want my name to be remembered in Africa. Africa gave me so much through love, support, and passion, and I wanted to give something back.”
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