Bayern Munich, Ajax to clash in Nairobi for 2027 AFCON stadium opening

European football giants, Germany’s Bayern Munich and Dutch’s Ajax Amsterdam will headline the opening of the new Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi on January 5, 2027.

But the choice of two European clubs to inaugurate the facility has sparked debate, with some calling for local football to be given the honour.

President William Ruto announced the high-profile fixture, saying the Germany and Dutch giants would officially open the 60,000-seater stadium at the heart of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, ahead of Kenya’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Uganda and Tanzania.

The debate has centred on whether a landmark Kenyan facility should first celebrate domestic football and local sporting heritage, before welcoming international clubs.

The stadium features a hybrid playing surface, 52 sky boxes, video assistant refereeing and goal-line technology. Its construction began in March 2024 as part of Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027.

Ruto said the Bayern Munich-Ajax Amsterdam encounter would be delivered through corporate partnerships and a commercially sustainable model, with the potential to generate revenue and economic opportunities.

“This match will be delivered by corporate partnerships and a self-sustaining commercial model, confirming that world-class sport can attract private investment and its own revenue and create lasting opportunities for our people,” the president said.

The president added that the facility would stimulate investment, create jobs and support tourism while providing young athletes with a world-class sporting venue.

“This stadium will create jobs, attract investment, grow tourism, give our young athletes a home worthy of their talent.”

Named after the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the stadium is a centre-piece of Kenya’s preparations for the continental tournament. Its opening will also test the country’s ability to attract major international sporting events and private investment.

The stadium, built at a cost of US$344.5 million, stands as a key infrastructure investment ahead of the upcoming tournament. It is the first major sporting infrastructure to be built by the Kenyan government, since the construction of the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani in 1987.

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