Just two seasons ago, Nairobi United, commonly referred to as Naibos, were competing in the FKF Division One Zone A under the guidance of Paul Okatwa, who now serves as the assistant coach at Kakamega Homeboyz.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsIn that campaign, Okatwa led the team to the National Super League (NSL) after winning the promotion playoffs against Zoo Kericho FC.Fast forward to the 2024/25 season, and Naibos have written a new chapter in their remarkable rise. They have secured promotion to the FKF Premier League following a hard-fought 2-1 win over 3K FC at Dandora Stadium.Kenya U20 midfielder secures USA move after U20 AFCON exploitsThis victory also marks a significant personal triumph for head coach Nicholas Muyoti, who left FKF Premier League side Nairobi City Stars to take charge of second-tier Naibos.At the time, many questioned his move, but the results speak for themselves. While Naibos have now achieved promotion, City Stars are on the brink of relegation, possibly setting the stage for a switch in fortunes between the two Nairobi-based teams.Tactical OverviewSince taking over, Muyoti has implemented a style centred around patient, possession-based football. He favours flexibility in formation and personnel, and his tactical adaptability was clear in this crucial fixture against 3K FC.##NAJAVA_MECA_8944907##Muyoti began the match with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Maneno Chacha started in goal, with a back four comprising Ouma Jim, Osanya Kevin, Phelix Otieno, and John Otieno.In midfield, Benard Ouma and Machaka Enoch played as holding midfielders, while Nyambane Adams occupied the central attacking role. The flanks were manned by Charo Majaliwa and Dancan Omalla, with Frank Ouna leading the line.Naibos stuck to their typical style of play, building up slowly from the back and involving the fullbacks in attack. During build-up phases, the centre-backs split wide while the full-backs pushed up the pitch, creating space and passing options.Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy reveals biggest problem ailing Manchester United3K FC set up in a compact 5-3-2 shape, defending in a mid-to-low block. This allowed Naibos to circulate the ball comfortably at the back without much pressing pressure.However, 3K were more aggressive in the midfield zone, often stepping up to disrupt passes to the holding midfielders. They also targeted set-pieces as their main attacking strategy, and it paid off in the 14th minute when they scored from a well-executed corner.Despite conceding early, Naibos remained composed and stuck to their game plan. They tried to isolate defenders on the wings, aiming to create 1v1 opportunities and deliver early crosses.##NAJAVA_MECA_8946420##Although the 3K structure largely blocked wide spaces, they struggled to deal with early deliveries into the box.This weakness was exploited in the final minute of the first half. Fullback Jim Ouma swung in a cross that was poorly cleared, and the ball fell to Frank Ouna, who blasted it into the net from just outside the box to level the scores.In-Game Adjustments and Tactical ShiftsAt the start of the second half, Muyoti made an attacking change by bringing on Isaac Omweri for Nyambane. Omweri’s introduction added more attacking presence in the final third. He operated behind the striker, helping to create overloads both centrally and out wide.CONFIRMED: Gor Mahia announce historic venue and date for Mashemeji DerbyAs 3K continued to defend defiantly, Muyoti made a second substitution, withdrawing Charo Majaliwa and introducing Michael Karamor.This move led to a shift from the initial 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 setup, pairing Karamor with Ouna up front. Omalla, Ouma, Omweri, and Machaka slotted into a four-man midfield.Still unable to break the deadlock, Muyoti made a third tactical tweak. Brian Ogutu came in for Machaka, and the team moved into a 4-1-4-1 shape.##NAJAVA_MECA_8946419##Karamor dropped into the attacking midfield role alongside Omweri and Ogutu, with Ouna remaining the central striker. Ouna’s constant running created gaps in 3K’s backline, pulling defenders out of position.The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute. From a quick transition, Omweri played a well-timed pass to Ouna, who had found space on the left.The 3K wingback was caught out of position, leaving Ouna in a one-on-one with the right-sided centre back. Ouna dribbled past him and, with the central defender slow to cover, smashed the ball into the near post to give Naibos the lead.Kenyan youngster on the verge of his LaLiga debutTactical Mastery Seals the DayMuyoti’s in-game decisions were instrumental in shifting the momentum in Naibos’ favour. His bold substitutions and tactical tweaks—from 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-2 and finally to 4-1-4-1—showed his ability to read the game and respond effectively.Each change added new dimensions to Naibos’ attack and eventually broke down 3K’s defensive wall.With smart game management in the final minutes, Naibos held firm to protect their lead. The win not only sealed all three points but also confirmed their place in next season’s FKF Premier League—a testament to Nicholas Muyoti’s vision, adaptability, and coaching acumen.
