Etoile du Sahel Coach Reflects on Alphonce Omija's Journey So Far After 2-0 Defeat to Nairobi United

Étoile du Sahel coach Mohamed Ali Nafkha has expressed his admiration for Alphonce Omija’s style of play, just a few months after the defender joined the club.

Alphonce Omija officially completed his transfer to the Tunisian football powerhouse Étoile Sportive du Sahel (ESS), joining the club on September 9, 2025.

The move came shortly after his impressive performances for the Harambee Stars in the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024). He was unveiled by the club on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, after making the transition from Gor Mahia.

Since joining Etoile du Sahel, Alphonce Omija has quickly integrated into the squad. As of the available records for the 2025/2026 season, he has played a total of five matches in the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1.

He has been a regular starter in these league games. His appearances include a 1-1 draw against Monastir on September 13, 2025, a 2-3 loss against JS Kairouan on September 16, 2025 and a 0-2 win against Soliman on September 24, 2025.

He was also part of the squad that drew 1-1 against Stade Tunisien before losing 1-0 loss against Esperance Tunis on October 5, 2025.

Alphonce Omija also played as Nairobi United humiliated Etoile du Sahel 2-0 in the Second Preliminary Round, First Leg tie on Sunday.

“He is an important player for us…he is an international player, so he is very important for us. He has started for us and we have played about five or six games. He is a very good player with very good mobility. He was impressive at CHAN and he has really tried to help us,” the coach said after the Nairobi United match, referring to the former Gor Mahia defender.

After the 2-0 defeat to Nairobi United, the Tunisian coach admitted that the game had been somewhat difficult, possibly due to the effects of travel, though he insisted that this could not serve as an excuse.

He emphasised that his team was used to facing strong opponents and would do everything possible to prepare well for the return match.

He added that they would give their absolute best to secure qualification for the group stage. The coach also highlighted that the club was marking its centenary, having already achieved great success, and expressed his desire to pass on that proud legacy to future generations.

“For us maybe, the match felt a little bit tight because of the travel but that is not an excuse for us. Normally, we play with the big teams and we shall do everything to be ready next Sunday,” he added.

“We will try to be 200% to win this fight to the group stage. Our club will be celebrating 100 years, we have won everything, and we want to transfer our history as a club to the next generation.”

Despite the setback against Nairobi United, Etoile du Sahel coach Mohamed Ali Nafkha remains optimistic about his team’s prospects and particularly encouraged by the contribution of new signing Alphonce Omija.

The young defender’s consistency, composure, and adaptability have already earned him the coach’s confidence within a short period at the club.

As Etoile du Sahel prepares for the decisive return leg, Nafkha’s faith in Alphonce Omija and the rest of his squad reflects a broader determination to uphold the club’s proud century-long legacy and secure a place in the group stage of continental competition.