Shabana players acknowledge cheers from their fans at Gusii Stadium/ANGWENYI GICHANA

Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti expects a tough duel when they tussle it out with Shabana on Sunday as the Sportpesa league resumes after the festive season break.

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“After the short festive-season break, you expect players to be rusty. However, that’s not the case for us. The players are not rusty, and they look sharp ahead of the game against Shabana,” said the tactician.

He said a win and a draw in their last two games has brought back their confidence ahead of the Sunday game at Gusii Stadium. "Even though the game against Gor Mahia was abandoned, the players gave a good account of themselves," remarked Muyoti. 

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He attributed the poor run to fatigue following their involvement in the CAF Confederations Cup.

“We can get something out of the game. We are going for three points,” added the coach.

He revealed that the club will bolster the team by signing quality players in the mid-season transfer window, which runs from January 12 to February 9.

“As we head to the second leg, we shall make some improvements in terms of the quality of players because we need to have squad depth. I know there will be challenges, but with the technical bench in place, we can manage,” noted Muyoti.

Naibos will miss the services of international defender Manzur Okwaro and Rwandese Prince Buregeya, who are injured.

“Manzur and Prince are still out, but the doctors are monitoring them. They will be back in three or four games,” noted Muyoti.

The club has already strengthened its technical bench by roping in CAF B license holders Boniface Omondi and Asqid Ambani as first and second assistants, respectively. Omondi joins the league newcomers from Kariobangi Sharks, while Ambani had stints with Ulinzi Stars and Tusker, among other clubs.

Former international Kevin Kimani joins Naibos as a strength and conditioning trainer.

According to reports, the club has parted ways with four players, including their 2025 Most Valuable Player (MVP), Isaac Omweri, captain Daniel Bichok, Lonny Amudava, and Adams Nyambane. Omweri has already attracted interest from Shabana FC.