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Nation FC line up a series of activities ahead of trip to Anfield Stadium
Nation FC players pose for a photo with the trophy after beating Deloitte 1-0 in the final of 2024 Road to Anfield tournament at St Mary's School in Nairobi on November 31, 2024.
Nation Media Group (NMG) Football Club is finalising preparations for a much-anticipated trip to England after winning the 2024 Standard Chartered Bank Road to Anfield Cup.
The trip, scheduled for May 9 to 12, will see the team visit Anfield Stadium, home of English Premier League giants Liverpool. Nation FC players will also watch a live English Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal on May 11, and attend exclusive training at the Liverpool FC Academy. The team will be taken on a guided tour of Anfield Stadium, among other places.
As part of the preparations, for the trip, Nation FC will take part in a series of events locally organised by Standard Chartered Bank who are sponsors of the trip. The events will culminate in a ceremony to flag off the team on May 7, two days before departure to the UK.
David Lawrence, head of partnerships at Standard Chartered Bank, has said a team from the bank will join the team from Nation Media Group in a tree planting and mentorship session at Lenana School in Nairobi.
Nation FC earned the all expense-paid trip to Anfield Stadium after defeating Deloitte “A” 1-0 in the final of Standard Chartered Bank Road to Anfield Cup held at St Mary’s School in Nairobi, on November 30, 2024.
NMG FC won the thrilling campaign in the 40-team five-a-side tournament, attended by Liverpool legend Jason McAteer.
The team has since played in a series of tournaments, notably reaching the semi-final stage of the Mashuuru Sports Foundation six-a-side tournament in Kajiado County. Nation FC has lined up a series of friendly matches ahead of their trip to Liverpool.
Nation FC, previously runners-up in the 2013 and 2017 tournament, reached the knock-out stage after topping Group “H”. They beat Kenya Airways “B” 4-0, drew 3-3 with Radio Africa, and edged out Wananchi Group “A” 2-1. Against Radio Africa Group, Nation FC came from 0-2 down to lead 3-2 through goals from captain Elijah Ouko and Eric Musungu, before conceding late goals.
In the knockout stages, Nation beat Kenya Airways “A” 3-1 with goals from Musungu and Munga, who also forced an own goal. Musungu’s solo effort edged Kenya Nut “B” in the quarters, and in the semis, before seeing off Batuk “A” 2-0.
Ouko praised his teammates’ grit, saying, “It is very satisfying to win. We only trained for three weeks at Ngara Turf, so it’s a testament to teamwork and determination.”
Standard Chartered’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Joyce Kibe, lauded the event, saying, “The tournament showcased skill, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. We congratulate Nation FC on their well-earned victory.”
