Austin Odhiambo Seals Landmark Move To Lebanese Giants Nejmeh Sc

Harambee Stars attacking midfielder and Gor Mahia co-captain Austin Odhiambo has officially completed a move to Lebanese giants Nejmeh SC, sealing a transfer that marks the next chapter in a rapidly rising career.

The deal brings an end to weeks of speculation that had linked the Kenyan playmaker with clubs in Belgium and across Asia, with Odhiambo ultimately opting for a switch to the Lebanese Premier League. It is a significant milestone for a player widely regarded as the most creative force in the FKF Premier League over the last two seasons.

Nejmeh SC confirmed the signing on their official Facebook page, expressing confidence in the midfielder’s quality. The Beirut-based club wrote that they would let performances on the pitch do the talking as they welcomed Odhiambo to what they describe as Lighthouse Castle.

Based in the Lebanese capital, Nejmeh are one of the most storied clubs in the region, boasting a massive fan base and a strong record of competing for top honours domestically and on the continental stage, including regular appearances in competitions such as the AFC Cup.

For Odhiambo, the move represents far more than a change of scenery. It offers international exposure and a new platform to test himself beyond Kenyan football after a stellar spell with Gor Mahia.

The midfielder leaves the record Kenyan champions after a standout 2023/24 season in which he was crowned KPL Most Valuable Player. That campaign saw him inspire Gor Mahia to their 21st league title, registering double figures in both goals and assists. Despite Gor Mahia enduring a difficult 2024/25 season that ended without silverware, Odhiambo remained one of the team’s most influential figures.

One of the most intriguing elements of the transfer is the growing Kenyan connection at Nejmeh. Odhiambo joins fellow Harambee Stars internationals Teddy Akumu and Masoud Juma at the club, giving him a familiar support system as he settles into life in Beirut.

Under the guidance of Tunisian coach Radhi Jaidi, Nejmeh have clearly looked toward East Africa to inject technical quality into their squad. Akumu’s presence in holding midfield and Juma’s role up front are expected to ease Odhiambo’s transition and allow him to slot naturally into his preferred number 10 position.

Affectionately nicknamed the Rolls Royce by fans back home, Odhiambo is admired for his vision, composure under pressure and incisive passing. His arrival is expected to give Nejmeh an added creative edge, particularly in breaking down compact defences.

From Gor Mahia’s perspective, the midfielder’s mid-season departure is a major loss given his importance to their attacking structure and leadership group. However, with Odhiambo in the final six months of his contract, the move also allows the club to cash in and potentially strengthen other areas of the squad during the transfer window.

Nejmeh currently sit second in the 12-team Lebanese Premier League after 11 rounds, just behind leaders Al Ansar. They are well placed heading into the split-season format, where the top six advance to a championship round with the league title and continental qualification at stake.

For Odhiambo, the transfer is another landmark moment in a journey that began in Nairobi’s Baba Dogo area, passed through AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, and has now taken him onto the Middle Eastern stage. On the international front, he has already written his name into Kenyan football history by scoring the country’s first-ever goal at the CHAN 2024 tournament, underlining his status as one of Harambee Stars’ brightest attacking talents.