Fabrizio Romano’s familiar ‘here we go’ usually accompanies transfer news, this time, it signalled his hope of joining East Africa’s Afcon party.
The football journalist expressed interest in attending the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations during an interview after Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
‘It is going to be amazing. I wish to enjoy it. It is always one of the best competitions,’ Romano said.
‘It is always about the countries, the African culture. This one will be amazing.’
Asked whether he would visit East Africa, he replied: ‘Of course, I hope so. Here we go.’
His attendance remains unconfirmed, but his enthusiasm for African culture connects with the hosts’ ambitions to make Afcon about more than football.
Beyond the stadiums
Uganda Tourism Board and Caf have launched a partnership securing Official Destination Sponsor rights, putting ‘Explore Uganda – The Pearl of Africa’ into the tournament’s promotional activities.
The agreement includes broadcast, digital and stadium exposure, offering Uganda a platform to promote its wildlife, culture and hospitality to football audiences.
‘The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 is the biggest tourism marketing opportunity Uganda has had in a generation,’ UTB chief executive Juliana Kagwa said.
Kenya, meanwhile, will offer an early attraction when Bayern Munich face Ajax on January 5, 2027, at Nairobi’s Talanta Sports City.
Both clubs have confirmed the fixture, which will inaugurate the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga International Stadium, an Afcon venue.
Bayern said the occasion would build anticipation for the continental tournament, giving the January meeting a role beyond opening the stadium.
Together, Uganda’s tourism campaign and Kenya’s club showcase illustrate how the hosts are seeking to turn football attention into visits.
Romano’s hoped-for trip fits that ambition, the challenge for Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania is to translate such interest into an experience visitors remember beyond the final whistle.