Bayern vs Ajax in Nairobi: Excitement, praise and scepticism

By  Victor Otieno

Reporter

NMG Sport

What you need to know:

• It will be the first time that Bayern Munich are touring Africa.
• Ajax Amsterdam, on their part, have never played in Africa.

Social media has been awash with reactions in Kenya and around the world following President William Ruto’s announcement on Wednesday that European giants Bayern Munich of Germany will play Dutch champions AFC Ajax on January 5, 2027, during the inauguration of the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi.

While many have welcomed the fixture, others have questioned the choice of teams.

Nation Sport samples some of the reactions across social media.

“That’s Big,” German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth posted on X.

He accompanied the post with a poster advertising the match.

“Welcome to Nairobi@AFCAjax @FCBayernEN,” Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei posted on the same platform.

Sports CS Salim Mvurya stated: “5th, January 2027 - Talent meets the Future! Welcome home to the Raila Odinga International Stadium - Talanta!”

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen posted: “Whatever the mind can conceive, it can achieve. Two European footballing giants will go head-to-head before our very eyes at the region's newest sporting marvel: the Raila Odinga International Stadium. We look forward to watching Bayern Munich take on Ajax on 5th January 2027 and ushering in a new era of marquee sports fixtures in this world-class stadium.”

Jjournalist Joe Gidi said on Facebook: “Local politics aside, the international friendly between Bayern Munich and Ajax at Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium would be an excellent opportunity to test Kenya's preparedness ahead of Afcon 2027. Beyond football, such a high-profile match would attract international fans, media and visitors, giving us a chance to assess our airports, transport systems, hotels, security, hospitality and tourism infrastructure.”

“Mkose kuleta Ballon d’Or winner tutakosana (If you fail to bring the Ballon d’Or winner, we will fall out)” posted @kafangi on X.

He was referring to England captain Harry Kane, who was crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner on Monday night.

Football enthusiast Shukrani Kuzi stated on the same platform: “A fitting way to begin 2027. FC Bayern and Ajax Amsterdam opening the Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi is a proud moment for Kenyan football and it says a great deal about the confidence the international game now has in the country as a host. Two clubs with such rich traditions will give the occasion the stature it deserves.”

However, sports journalist Erick Njiru believes that top Kenyan clubs or Harambee Stars should have been given the honours.

“My opinion is the first game at Talanta Stadium should be AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia or Harambee Stars vs someone,” Njiru posted on X.

Several other Kenyans shared a similar view.

“Kenya vs Uganda or Tanzania would have been something,” NTV journalist Fred Muitiriri stated.

“Why should Bayern and Ajax play first at Talanta Stadium whereas we have Kenya’s national team and other local teams? Neocolonialism will never end in Kenya,”@Itswambuaa lamented on X.

“Stadium for Kenyans, we are the ones footing the bill. It’s only courteous if our teams used the stadium first,” @JoelKamirusia stated on the same platform.

Salim Ishmael posted: “We are very excited about the Bayern vs Ajax game. It is a really good opportunity to spearhead the Kenyan football scene. We need to also ask ourselves, how much of our tax money has that cost us?”

Some fans have expressed doubt that the clubs will bring their main teams for the match.

“We all know you will be sending your B team,” @RealCoban said.

“Don’t bring academy players. We want to watch the main team,” said @Dadiseh_Olwaga.

However, it will be the first time that Bayern Munich are touring Africa. The German giants have played in Africa once before, at the 2013 Fifa Club World Cup in Morocco. Ajax, on their part, have never played in Africa.

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