Win For Kenya's Nyayo Stadium After CAF Gives Update Ahead Of CHAN Tournament

This was confirmed on Sunday, February 23 following a two-day inspection tour by a high-ranking Confederation of African Football (CAF) delegation,

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Feb 23, 2025 - 19:17 Updated: Feb 23, 2025 - 22:53
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Win For Kenya's Nyayo Stadium After CAF Gives Update Ahead Of CHAN Tournament
A photo of Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. /CAROL RADULL

The Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi is set to play host to Kenya’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Gabon on March 24, 2025, which will also serve as a test match ahead of the CAF Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament in August.

This was confirmed on Sunday, February 23 following a two-day inspection tour by a high-ranking Confederation of African Football (CAF) delegation, led by Samson Adamu, the Confederation’s Director of Tournaments and Events.

Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of Kenya’s Local Organising Committee for the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), further stated that discussions are ongoing to schedule additional test matches at Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The venues have been undergoing renovations to elevate them to international standards. They are set to host the CHAN tournament from August 2 to 30, 2025 and later, matches for the 2027 AFCON.

An artistic impression of how Nyayo Stadium will look after renovations in readiness for AFCON. /ABABU NAMWAMBA

This decision will significantly enhance Kenya’s preparations for hosting the CHAN tournament in August and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). It is particularly crucial following the tournament’s postponement in January due to the country's lack of readiness in terms of infrastructure.

In the past, the Harambee Stars were forced to play their home qualifiers against Burundi and Côte d’Ivoire in Malawi due to the unavailability of Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani.

Kenya’s Ministry of Sports has faced criticism from the public after AFCON qualification matches were played in Kampala, Uganda, and Polokwane, South Africa, raising concerns about the possibility of hosting proper home matches soon.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Musonye, Chairman of Kenya’s CHAN/AFCON Local Organizing Committee, bolstered hopes of hosting the tournament by expressing his satisfaction with the progress made at Nyayo National Stadium.

“We have made good progress in our preparations with Kasarani making steps in the right direction and Nyayo also maintaining good momentum,” Musonye said on Sunday at the end of the latest CAF inspection tour.

The CAF delegation inspected the competition venues at Nyayo and Kasarani, along with training facilities at Kasarani Annex, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Police Sacco Stadium. They expressed satisfaction with the progress made at these sites.

At Kasarani, the delegation observed the arrival of the final materials for the stadium's canopy, floodlights, and electronic scoreboards.

At Nyayo National Stadium, one of the four new floodlights has already been installed, with work progressing steadily on the remaining three. The playing surface, changing rooms, and media tribune are complete and will be tested during the match against Gabon.

Kenya’s Harambee Stars currently sit in fourth place in Group ‘F’ of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, having earned five points from four matches. They trail Côte d’Ivoire (10 points), Gabon (nine points), and Burundi (seven points), while Gambia (three points) and Seychelles (zero points) complete the group.

The winners of each of the nine groups, consisting of six teams, will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Meanwhile, the four best runners-up will compete in playoffs against teams from other confederations for additional qualification spots.

As Kenya is co-hosting CHAN alongside its neighbours Uganda and Tanzania, the CAF delegation will also visit these countries for further inspections.

In Uganda, they will assess the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, and  Namboole, along with training venues at Kampala International School, Kadiba Training Ground, and Mutesa II Stadium.

In Tanzania, the CAF team will inspect the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as the competition venue and evaluate training facilities at the Gymkhana Club, Law School, and Maj. Gen. Isamuhyo Stadium.

Ongoing works at Kasarani Stadium as of January 12, 2025. /MINISTRY OF SPORTS

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