Kenya will host German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax in a historic football match scheduled for January 5, 2027, to officially open the country’s new national stadium in Nairobi.

President William Ruto announced the fixture during a national address on Wednesday, confirming that the 60,000-capacity venue, named Raila Odinga International Stadium, will host the encounter ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“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 described the fixture as a meeting of football excellence and future talent, highlighting Bayern Munich’s German heritage and Ajax’s reputation for developing young players through its academy system.

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

The stadium, named after former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, is expected to play a significant role in Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

Ruto said the event would be organised through corporate partnerships and a commercial model designed to attract private investment and create opportunities for Kenyans.

The announcement also places Nairobi in the international football spotlight as the East African nations prepare to host the continent’s biggest national-team tournament.

According to the announcement, 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 January encounter is expected to give Kenyan football fans an opportunity to watch two historically successful European clubs compete on local soil.

The event also marks an important milestone in Kenya’s stadium development plans as the country prepares to welcome teams and supporters for AFCON 2027.

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