AUSTIN ODHIAMBO TO NEJMEH SC HERE WE GO!
Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo has officially arrived in Lebanon after finalizing his transfer from Kenyan Premier League giants Gor Mahia to Lebanese Premier League side Nejmeh SC.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder, widely regarded as one of Kenya's most creative talents, completed the move in late December 2025, with the transfer announced around New Year's Eve.
The transfer fee was reportedly around KSh 8 million (approximately $65,000), as Odhiambo was in the final six months of his Gor Mahia contract, allowing the club to secure some revenue.
Odhiambo, for his smooth dribbling, vision, and composure, touched down in Beirut to begin his first professional stint abroad.
This marks a significant milestone in his career. Odhiambo joined Gor Mahia in 2021 from rivals AFC Leopards and quickly became a key figure, helping the club win two league titles (2022/23 and 2023/24). His standout 2023/24 season saw him named the Kenyan Premier League Most Valuable Player (MVP), contributing double-digit goals and assists while guiding Gor Mahia to a record-extending 21st title.
On the international stage, he has been a regular for Harambee Stars, scoring notable goals—including Kenya's first-ever at CHAN 2024—and establishing himself as a reliable playmaker under coach Benni McCarthy.
Nejmeh SC, one of Lebanon's most successful clubs (nine-time league winners, based in Beirut at Rafic Hariri Stadium), welcomed Odhiambo enthusiastically on social media: "We won’t talk much… the pitch will be the scale and decider. Austin Odhiambo, welcome to Lighthouse Castle."
The club, currently second in the 2025–26 Lebanese Premier League standings and coached by Tunisian Radhi Jaïdi, sees him as a boost to their midfield creativity as they chase the title and continental qualification.
A key highlight of the move is the growing Kenyan contingent at Nejmeh—Odhiambo reunites with fellow Harambee Stars players Teddy Akumu (who joined earlier) and Masoud Juma, forming a strong East African presence that could help him settle quickly.
Odhiambo could make his debut soon, potentially as early as January 18 in the Lebanese Cup quarter-finals against league leaders Al Ansar. This switch offers greater exposure in a competitive league and positions him well to stay in contention for Harambee Stars ahead of future tournaments like the 2027 AFCON.
