German football giants FC Bayern Munich and Dutch powerhouse Ajax Amsterdam have confirmed they will face each other on January 5, 2027, in the opening match of the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi.
The fixture follows President William Ruto’s announcement that the two European clubs will headline the ceremonial opening of the new national stadium, with both sides now publicly confirming the planned encounter.
Bayern Munich announced their trip to Nairobi in a social media post, describing the fixture as “a special match to kick off the new year.”
“FC Bayern travels to Nairobi on January 5, 2027, and will face Ajax Amsterdam there as part of the ceremonial opening of the new national stadium ‘Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City,’” the German club stated.
Ajax Amsterdam has also confirmed its participation, expressing excitement ahead of the high-profile encounter in Kenya.
“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 said in its statement.
The confirmation from both clubs adds to the anticipation surrounding the stadium’s unveiling, with the match expected to attract attention from football fans across Kenya and beyond.
Bayern Munich are among Germany’s most successful clubs, while Ajax boast a rich European football history and are widely recognised for developing young talent. Their meeting in Nairobi will bring two prominent names in European football to Kenyan soil.
The match will also offer local fans an opportunity to witness top-level European football as Kenya continues to invest in sports infrastructure and prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
The January 5 fixture is expected to be a major highlight of the launch of the Raila Odinga International Stadium, marking a significant occasion for Kenyan football and the country’s ambitions to host major international sporting events.
