European football giants Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam have reacted to President William Ruto’s announcement that the two clubs will face off in Kenya on January 5, 2027, in a historic match to officially open the new Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi.

The clubs confirmed the fixture in separate announcements on Wednesday, October 28, setting the stage for a high-profile encounter expected to attract football fans from across Kenya and beyond.

Ajax expressed excitement about the match, describing the occasion as a proud moment for the Dutch club as it prepares to travel to Nairobi for the stadium’s inauguration.

“We’re proud to announce that we will face FC Bayern in the opening match of the new Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi, Kenya,” Ajax stated.

The club also directly addressed its German opponents, confirming January 5, 2027, as the date of the encounter and declaring: “See you on January 5, FC Bayern München!”

Bayern Munich equally confirmed the fixture, describing it as a special match to usher in the new year. The German club said it would travel to Nairobi to face Ajax as part of the ceremonial opening of the new national stadium.

“A special match to kick off the new year,” Bayern Munich announced, confirming that the encounter would mark the inauguration of the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City.

The confirmations followed President Ruto’s announcement that the two European heavyweights would headline the opening ceremony of the 60,000-seat facility, which is among Kenya’s major sporting infrastructure projects.

The match will bring together two clubs with illustrious European histories. Bayern Munich are among Germany’s most successful football teams, while Ajax have established a formidable reputation in Dutch and European football, particularly for their youth development system.

Beyond the excitement surrounding the fixture, the opening match will be an important moment for Kenya as it prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

The stadium is expected to play a central role in the continental tournament, making its readiness and ability to host major international events particularly significant.

The January encounter will therefore offer Kenyan supporters an opportunity to watch two celebrated European clubs in action while placing Nairobi at the centre of international football attention.

With both clubs now publicly confirming the fixture, anticipation is building ahead of January 5, when the new stadium is scheduled to welcome its first major football spectacle.

Sources: Bayern's Reaction

: Ajax Reaction