Kenya is set to welcome two of European football’s most decorated clubs when Bayern Munich and Ajax meet in Nairobi on 5 January 2027 for the opening match at the country’s new national stadium.

President William Ruto confirmed the fixture during a national address on Wednesday, announcing that the game will officially open the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga International Stadium, previously known as Talanta Stadium.

The planned encounter will bring the German giants and Dutch club together for a major football occasion as Kenya prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which it will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

“Come January 5, 2027, we will open this stadium with a historic match between two giants of European football, FC Bayern Munich of Germany and FC Ajax of Amsterdam. Between them, they have been crowned champions of Europe ten times,” Ruto said.

The president also highlighted the symbolism attached to the fixture and the stadium’s name. Bayern Munich represents Germany, while Ajax is widely associated with developing young football talent through its academy system.

“On January 5, 2027, talent and the future will meet in Nairobi,” Ruto added.

The venue, named after the late former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, is expected to play a role in the country’s preparations for AFCON 2027. Hosting the two European clubs will place Nairobi in the international football spotlight ahead of the continental tournament.

Ruto said the event would be delivered through corporate partnerships and a commercial model intended to attract private investment while creating opportunities for Kenyans. The approach reflects the government’s stated ambition to use major sporting events to support wider economic activity.

Both Bayern Munich and Ajax have confirmed the fixture. Ajax described the invitation as an honour, while Bayern said the match would strengthen its connection with supporters across Africa.

The announcement provides a significant milestone for Kenya’s new stadium project and adds an international football event to the country’s preparations for AFCON 2027.

With a capacity of 60,000 spectators, the Raila Odinga International Stadium is expected to become an important venue for major sporting events. The January encounter will offer local fans an opportunity to watch two clubs with extensive European histories compete in Nairobi as Kenya prepares to welcome the continent for AFCON.

Source: https://x.com/tv3_ghana/status/2115497347350429986?s=46