Kenyan Players Stranded in Lebanon as Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut
Three Kenyan footballers, Austine Odhiambo, Anthony Akumu, and Masoud Juma, are stranded in Beirut as violence intensifies in Lebanon.
Odhiambo, who joined Beirut-based Nejmeh SC after his performance at the 2025 African Nations Championship, is staying in central Beirut with Akumu and Juma. The area is considered relatively secure, though repeated Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs have increased concerns for safety.
Engin Firat, former Harambee Stars coach and current manager of Nejmeh SC, has confirmed through Kenyan journalist Eric Njiru that the players are safe but unsettled by the ongoing conflict. Plans for a possible evacuation are reportedly under discussion, with departure tentatively scheduled for Sunday, 8 March, should conditions remain unsafe.
The unrest forms part of a wider conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has raised risks for foreign nationals working in Lebanon. For Odhiambo, Akumu, and Juma, the violence threatens both personal safety and their immediate careers in the Lebanese league.
In Qatar, Kenyan captain Michael Olunga is also affected by regional tensions. Based at Al Arabi SC, Olunga faces disruption after the Qatar Football Association suspended all tournaments indefinitely.
