Nyayo Stadium set to roar back with first international clash in eight months

Nyayo Stadium set to roar back with first international clash in eight months

Evans Ousuru 07:57 - 11.03.2025

The venue was last used on April 21, 2024, during the Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia.

The pressure of hosting major competitions requires a country to have standard infrastructure and facilities to meet the threshold.

Kenya has been in the running to complete major stadium renovations after the postponement of the Africa Nations Championships in January. Kenya's recognised stadiums, Nyayo and Kasarani, have undergone major facelift in readiness for the CHAN in August and the Africa Cup of Nations set for 2027.

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This underlines Kenya's vision of regaining glory of yesteryears and the appointment of South African coach Benni McCarthy to lead Harambee Stars renaissance further amplifies that. However, after months of painstakingly laying the groundwork, the Nyayo Stadium is finally set to host its first international match after eight months of renovations. 

Nyayo National Stadium is located at the intersection of Mombasa Road, Langata Road, and Aerodrome Road in Nairobi. It's about two kilometers from the city center. The  30,000-seater multipurpose venue is set to reopen its gates on March 16, for the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifier pitting Junior Starlets against Uganda's Teen Cranes.

The Halima Imbachi-captained Junior Starlets hold a 2-0 first leg advantage, following their victory at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on  Saturday. The Junior Starlets will hope to qualify for the last round where either Cameroon or Ethiopia awaits to determine who qualifies for the global showpiece to be hosted in Africa for the first time ever by Morocco.

Nyayo Stadium was last used on April 21, 2024 as revealed by Mozzart Sports, during the Mashemeji derby pitting record Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions Gor Mahia against perennial rivals AFC Leopards.

Following the derby, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports announced Nyayo as Kenya’s official venue for the delayed 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers, prompting its closure for renovations.

The reopening of Nyayo comes as a major relief to football fans and clubs, many of whom struggled to find suitable venues. FKFPL clubs were forced to look for alternative venues to host their matches, leaving the Nairobi-based teams to seek refuge at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos and Dandora Stadium.

The Mashemeji derby was postoponed for the second time this season for lack of an accessible venue, further underlining the importance of Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums.

It is hoped that after the Junior Starlets match, the venue will be allowed to host matches and athletics events subject to approval by the authorities.