Michael Karamor: Nigerian goal machine fueling Kisumu All Stars' rise in Super League

In a season of both triumph and trials, Michael Karamor is making his name heard across Kenyan football.

The Nigerian striker, currently leading the top scorers’ chart in the 2024-2025 National Super League (NSL) with five goals after six matches, is Kisumu All Stars’ new talisman.

His impressive form on the pitch speaks volumes, but the journey behind those goals reveals a deeper story of resilience, personal sacrifice, and a warrior spirit born from his roots in Southern Nigeria.

This season’s prolific scoring comes against a backdrop of unimaginable loss for Karamor, who recently mourned the passing of his beloved mother.

Yet, through his sorrow, he has emerged stronger, displaying a resilience that has captured the admiration of his teammates, fans, and opponents alike.

“I can't say I’ve moved on,” Karamor said, “but that’s where the test of mental toughness in a man pops up.”

His ability to channel personal pain into professional performance has given fans a new appreciation for his character beyond his skills on the pitch.

Karamor, who hails from Nigeria’s Ijaw clan, moved to Kenya in 2021 with dreams of transforming his talent into a professional career.

However, he didn’t immediately find success in the country’s top flight, the FKF Premier League.

He spent brief stints at Sofapaka, Western Stima, and Kakamega Homeboyz, struggling to find his footing. But everything changed when he joined Kisumu All Stars last season.

In his debut NSL season, Karamor netted 16 goals and only just missed the Golden Boot.

Now, he’s leading the charts, bringing a blend of speed, skill, and determination that’s quickly making him one of the league’s most formidable forwards.

The forward, who grew up in Lagos with his father as his mentor, believes his footballing prowess is in his blood. “My dad also played football, so I think it runs in the blood,” Karamor said with a grin.

However, unlike his father, who didn’t play professionally, Karamor’s dream has always been to make a lasting mark in world football, a dream that took him across countries to Kenya.

Karamor has found more than a club in Kisumu All Stars; he has found a community and a sense of belonging.

“Kisumu is a club I love so much,” he said. “The reasons are personal, but the love I have for this team and the support from the fans is something special.”

His connection to the club goes beyond professional duty. The camaraderie with his teammates and the faith his coach, Carlo Bruno Charles, has in him have given Karamor the confidence to push beyond his limits.

“My coach believes in me, and my teammates are the best I’ve ever played with. Even at my lowest, they push me, starting from training sessions. It makes me want to pay them back by giving my best every day,” he said, gratitude evident in his voice.

This season hasn’t been without its challenges. As a player in Kenya’s NSL, Karamor faces the financial struggles that come with the league’s limited resources.

“When there’s no flow of money, it’s tough. We play football for a better life, and if you’re struggling on the pitch and also finding it hard to feed yourself off the pitch, it’s really discouraging,” he said.

Still, his passion and hunger to succeed overpower these challenges, and he’s motivated by the knowledge that his hard work may open doors for him either in Kenya’s top-tier league or even internationally.

Karamor’s strength also comes from his enduring relationship with Kisumu All Stars’ loyal fan base. Their support has been a pillar in his life, especially during difficult times following his mother’s death.

“I have a message for my fans: I’m very hungry to do more. I want to thank them for their love and support. Even after my mum passed on, they supported me so much, and I just want to say, may God bless them all,” he said.

Looking ahead, Karamor is eager for new challenges. While he is deeply connected to the NSL and Kisumu All Stars, he has his sights set on higher levels of competition.

“As a footballer, you always have to aim higher,” he said, his ambition evident. “I’m really ready for any bigger challenge that comes my way, whether it’s the top flight or a move abroad.”

Driven by talent, a fierce work ethic, and the memory of his late mother, Michael Karamor stands as a symbol of resilience in the NSL.

With each goal, he pays tribute to her, embodying her guidance, strength, and the footballing legacy passed down from his father.

And as he continues to rise, there’s no doubt that Karamor’s journey is one that fans across Kenya—and perhaps soon, across the world—will be following closely.