NAIROBI, Kenya – FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrived in Nairobi on Friday for the first time, ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) final, in what is being hailed as a landmark moment for Kenyan football.
His visit comes as Kenya wraps up its month-long co-hosting of the biennial continental tournament, which the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) says has firmly placed the country on the global football map.
FKF President Hussein Mohammed welcomed Infantino, noting that his presence was a vote of confidence in Kenya’s ability to stage international events of such magnitude.
“On behalf of the Kenyan football family, I warmly welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino to Kenya for the first time, as we gear up for the CHAN 2024 final,” Mohammed said. “Kenya has captured the hearts of the world with our successful hosting of this tournament — today we celebrate that achievement together.”
Infantino will join Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe, senior CAF delegates and government officials at the final match, scheduled for Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The closing ceremony promises to be a spectacle, with performances from Eddy Kenzo, Zuchu and Savara showcasing the cultural heritage of the three co-host nations — Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The final itself pits defending champions Morocco, chasing a record third CHAN crown, against tournament debutants Madagascar, who are looking to cap off a fairytale run with the title.
Although all three East African hosts bowed out in the quarter-finals, FKF said Kenya’s success as a host has won the country admiration across the continent and beyond.
Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, has made high-profile appearances at African football events, including a surprise stop at the African Football League opener in Tanzania last year, which drew over 60,000 fans. However, this marks his first official visit to Kenya.