For the first time in history, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has set foot in Kenya, arriving in Nairobi to attend the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) final. His visit marks a momentous milestone for the nation’s football, highlighting Kenya’s growing stature on the continental and global stage.
Infantino’s presence is seen as a strong endorsement of Kenya’s successful hosting of the month-long biennial tournament, which has drawn fans, players, and football leaders from across Africa. His arrival comes just as the country prepares for the highly anticipated grand finale at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The CHAN 2024 final will see Morocco chase a record third title, while debutants Madagascar look to crown their fairytale run with continental glory. Ahead of the match, spectators will be treated to a colourful closing ceremony featuring performances from renowned African artists, including Eddy Kenzo, Zuchu, and Savara. The event will also showcase the cultural pride of the three East African co-host nations Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Despite their spirited performances, the co-hosts bowed out of the competition in the quarter-finals, but their collective efforts in staging the tournament have been widely praised. Kenya, in particular, has been lauded for its organizational success, infrastructure readiness, and the electric atmosphere created by fans throughout the competition.
Infantino will be joined by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, alongside other African football delegates and local officials, to witness the final. The presence of these top football leaders underlines the confidence in Kenya’s ability to stage major international events, with many seeing this as a stepping stone toward hosting even bigger tournaments in the future.
Kenya’s football fraternity has celebrated this visit as a sign that the country is now firmly on the radar of global football governance. For many fans, the arrival of Infantino is not just about the CHAN final, but also about the doors it could open for greater investment, partnerships, and opportunities for Kenyan football.
Having led FIFA for nearly a decade, Infantino has made surprise appearances across Africa before, but this marks his maiden trip to Kenya. His visit adds an extra layer of prestige to a tournament that has already delivered thrilling football, passionate support, and unforgettable memories.
As the spotlight turns to Kasarani, all eyes will be on both the pitch and the stands, where the continent’s football leadership gathers to celebrate the game and its future in Africa.
