Sports fans will have to wait a little longer after the much-anticipated games scheduled for Friday October 17, 2025 at Nyayo National Stadium were cancelled to pave way for a national memorial event slated for the same day.

Among the fixtures affected are two major FKF Premier League clashes , AFC Leopards vs Bandari FC and Tusker FC vs KCB, which were expected to draw thousands of fans to the stadium.

The cancellation has disrupted preparations for both clubs, who had already wrapped up training sessions ahead of the big day.

The announcement, which surfaced late Thursday, caught many teams and fans by surprise.

According to a directive reportedly issued by the Ministry of Sports, the stadium will remain closed to allow preparations for the state funeral for former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, which is expected to draw top government officials and dignitaries.

In an Instagram post that quickly went viral, the stadium management confirmed that access will be restricted beginning Thursday night to facilitate security arrangements and venue setup.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions online, with some fans expressing disappointment over the short notice, while others acknowledged the importance of the upcoming national commemoration.

Nyayo Stadium has had a history of intermittent closures, often due to government directives or major national events from sports to entertainment events .

Earlier this year, the facility was temporarily shut down to host the Safari Sevens Rugby Tournament, followed by preparations for the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifiers. In mid-2024, it also accommodated the Madaraka Day celebrations, prompting a brief suspension of league matches.

The stadium has further undergone periodic renovations and security upgrades, including pitch repairs, seat replacements, and lighting improvements.

These recurring adjustments have positioned Nyayo as both a multipurpose national venue and a frequent site of logistical interruptions, balancing its dual role in sports and state events.

Teams affected by the abrupt change are now expected to shift training sessions to alternate venues, including the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Ulinzi Sports Complex.

While the cancellation has disrupted weekend sporting plans, officials maintain that normal activities will resume once the memorial event concludes and the venue is cleared for use.