•Their Undefeated Run Sparks Pride and Nickname Debate
Homa Bay, Kenya| Wajir County’s football team has emerged as one of the standout performers at the 10th edition of the Kenya Youth Inter-county Sports Association (KYISA) Games, delivering thrilling performances that have reignited pride in the region’s untapped football potential.
The team, often considered underdogs in national competitions, kicked off their campaign with a resounding 3-1 victory over Busia County, exacting sweet revenge for last year’s heartbreaking penalty shootout loss in the KYISA 2024 finals.
Dominant Start: Wajir County 3-1 Busia County
The match saw Wajir’s star striker, Said Abikar (nicknamed ‘Mane’ after Senegal’s football legend Sadio Mané), open the scoring, setting the tone for a commanding performance.
Mohamed Abdi (Siyadu) further cemented the win with a brace, showcasing the team’s attacking prowess.
The victory was particularly symbolic for Wajir, which has historically struggled to gain recognition in national football circles.
The win not only secured three crucial points in the group stage but also sent a strong message about the region’s growing football talent.
Hard-Fought Draw Against Makueni Secures Quarter-Final Spot
In their second match, Wajir faced Makueni County in a tightly contested encounter that ended 1-1.
While a win would have been ideal, the draw was enough to guarantee their progression to the quarter-finals as group leaders.
The team’s resilience has drawn praise from fans and leaders alike, with Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi leading the celebrations.
Governor’s Pride: “Unbeaten and Unstoppable!”
Governor Abdullahi took to social media to laud the team’s performance, declaring:
“Forget about Arsenal and Real Madrid—our Wajir County boys in Homa Bay are the real deal!”
He further emphasized the county’s commitment to youth development, stating:
“We proudly stood by our boys for the third consecutive year, ensuring they take their rightful place on the KYISA stage. Their performance proves that investing in youth is investing in greatness.”
With an undefeated run in the group stage (a 3-1 win over Busia and a 1-1 draw with Makueni), Wajir County FC has now set its sights on the quarter-finals, where they will face the second-placed team from Group D—pending the resolution of a dispute involving Nyeri County over an allegedly ineligible player.
Nickname Debate: What Should Wajir’s Team Be Called?
The team’s impressive run has sparked a new conversation: What should Wajir County FC’s official nickname be?
Governor Abdullahi floated “Wajir Stars” as a potential name but invited the public to suggest alternatives that better capture the team’s spirit and regional identity.
Social media has since been abuzz with suggestions, including:
“The Desert Warriors” (a nod to Wajir’s arid landscape and the team’s fighting spirit)
“The Northern Lions” (symbolizing strength and dominance)
“Wajir Storm” (reflecting their sudden, powerful impact on the tournament)
The governor has promised to pick the best name based on public input, further engaging fans in the team’s journey.
What’s Next? Quarter-Finals Await
As Wajir County FC prepares for the knockout stages, the question remains: Can they go all the way?
Their journey so far has already defied expectations, proving that with the right support, grassroots talent can shine on the national stage.
Whether they lift the trophy or not, one thing is certain—Wajir’s football revolution has begun.
Upcoming Fixture:
Quarter-Finals: Wajir County vs. TBD (Group D Runner-Up)
What’s Next…? Wajir’s remarkable run at KYISA 2025 is more than just a football success—it’s a statement.
For years, North Eastern Kenya’s sporting potential has been overlooked. Now, with a team that fights with skill, heart, and determination, Wajir County FC is demanding attention.
