Kenyan President William Ruto has introduced that German soccer giants Bayern Munich and Dutch membership Ajax will play an exhibition fit on January 5, 2027, to inaugurate Nairobi’s new 60,000-seat Raila Odinga Global Stadium….
Kenyan President William Ruto has introduced that German soccer giants Bayern Munich and Dutch membership Ajax will play an exhibition fit on January 5, 2027, to inaugurate Nairobi’s new 60,000-seat Raila Odinga Global Stadium.
The fit will mark the outlet of the stadium, previously referred to as Talanta Stadium, as Kenya steps up arrangements to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Countries (AFCON) along Tanzania and Uganda.
Talking on the venue, Ruto hailed the venture as a significant success and disregarded critics who doubted that the stadium may well be finished.
“As of late, we end up as soon as once more to the doubters, the naysayers, and the ones of little religion that the unimaginable is conceivable,” he stated.
“What was once as soon as referred to as unimaginable now has a reputation, an deal with and 60,000 seats,” the president added.
Ruto stated the selection of Bayern Munich and Ajax for the inaugural fit carried symbolic importance in honour of the overdue former Kenyan Top Minister Raila Odinga, after whom the stadium was once named.
Odinga, who died in 2025, studied in Germany, whilst Ajax is famend for growing younger soccer ability.
“There’s a quiet poetry on this fixture. Raila studied in Germany. Now an ideal German membership will come to play in the home that bears his title,” Ruto stated.
The stadium’s renaming commemorates Odinga’s legacy, with the venue anticipated to grow to be a significant landmark in Kenyan game.
Ruto extensively utilized the announcement to reaffirm Kenya’s readiness to host the continent’s premier soccer festival along its East African neighbours.
“From this stadium, our message to the arena is apparent. Kenya is able to welcome the arena and Africa is able for greatness,” he stated.
Building of the stadium started in March 2024 as a part of the rustic’s arrangements for AFCON 2027.
The 60,000-capacity venue is predicted to function one of the most event’s primary stadiums, as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda get ready to collectively host Africa’s greatest world soccer festival.
The Bayern Munich-Ajax fixture is predicted to offer an early show off for the stadium forward of the continental event.