Nyayo Stadium set for World Cup Qualifier test drive vs Gabon

Kenya's pivotal Group 'F' qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup against Gabon is scheduled to take place at the Nyayo National Stadium on March 24. This event will serve as a preparatory test ahead of the CAF Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) set for August.

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

Hussein Mohammed, President of the Football Kenya Federation and Vice Chairman of Kenya's Local Organising Committee for both the 2025 CHAN and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), confirmed that plans are in motion to host additional test matches at both Nyayo and the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, where the CHAN tournament will take place from August 2 to 30.

Currently, Kenya's national team, the Harambee Stars, is positioned fourth in Group 'F' of the World Cup qualifiers, having accumulated five points from four matches. They trail behind Cote d'Ivoire, who leads with 10 points, Gabon with nine points, and Burundi with seven. The remaining teams in the group are Gambia, with three points, and Seychelles, who have yet to score.

The winners from each of the nine groups consisting of six teams will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Additionally, the four best runners-up will enter playoffs with teams from other confederations for further qualification spots.

The announcement of the Nyayo National Stadium as the venue for the Gabon match comes as a relief to Kenyan football fans, who have previously seen the Harambee Stars play their home matches against Burundi and Cote d'Ivoire in Malawi due to the unavailability of both Nyayo and Kasarani for international fixtures.

Nicholas Musonye, Chairman of Kenya's CHAN/AFCON Local Organising Committee, expressed optimism about the preparations, stating, "We have made good progress in our preparations with Kasarani making steps in the right direction and Nyayo also maintaining good momentum," at the conclusion of the CAF inspection.

Adamu, who had visited Nairobi for a similar inspection last month, praised the progress made and thanked the Kenyan organizers for their hospitality and commitment to meeting deadlines.

The CAF delegation toured the Nyayo and Kasarani venues, as well as training facilities including the Kasarani Annex, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Police Sacco Stadium, where they were pleased with the advancements. At Kasarani, they observed the arrival of materials for the stadium's canopy, floodlights, and electronic scoreboards. At Nyayo, one of the four new floodlights has already been installed, with progress ongoing on the others. The playing surface, changing rooms, and media tribune are prepared and will be tested during the Gabon match.

Additionally, Adamu announced that CAF will involve members of Kenya's CHAN/AFCON Local Organising Committee in various competitions, including the Under-17 and Under-20 Cup of Nations in Morocco and Cote d'Ivoire, respectively. This initiative aims to provide exposure and experience for Kenyan officials. Myke Rabar, CEO of the Local Organising Committee, expressed gratitude for this opportunity, emphasizing the importance of high-level organizational skills for Kenya's future endeavors.

Rabar also shared that full tournament operations will commence on March 1, with media and promotional campaigns set to launch on April 1. Kenya will compete in Group 'A' of the CHAN tournament alongside Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola.

As the CAF delegation, including Infrastructure Consultant Stephanie Tokotra and Pitch Consultant Andrew Culbert, prepares to leave Nairobi, they will continue their inspection visits in Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar over the following days, assessing various venues for the upcoming tournaments.