How Nana Owiti Spent Her 3 Minutes of Fame with African Soccer President in Morocco

Journalist and influencer Nana Owiti has taken a bold step to market Kenya’s potential on the global football stage.

During the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) closing dinner in Morocco, she engaged directly with the most powerful figures in world football.

Owiti’s diplomatic push comes at a critical time. Only hours earlier, a veteran West African journalist sparked a heated debate by questioning the infrastructure of East Africa.

Meeting the Presidents

Owiti was invited to the exclusive CAF Club dinner following her work with a travel brand in Morocco. While there, she met FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

She described her meeting with Infantino as a light-hearted but strategic encounter. Owiti noted that she used the opportunity to market Kenya directly to him.

“I had great interactions with exceptional people. I can’t believe I not only met the FIFA PRESIDENT, Gianni Infatino. We had a chat and I made sure to market my country,” she said.

However, her most focused interaction was with CAF President Patrice Motsepe. She spent three minutes pitching why the 2027 edition of the tournament belongs in East Africa, with a specific focus on Kenya.

"I met the CAF president Patrice Motsepe and pitched why the next AFCON belongs in East Africa... Kenya to be exact. Three legendary minutes. Unreal room. Pure greatness," Owiti shared on social media.

Defending the "No Roads" Narrative

Owiti’s efforts served as a counter-narrative to comments made by Ivorian journalist Mamadou Gaye. During a press conference in Rabat, Gaye expressed serious doubts about the suitability of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as hosts.

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"No roads within the countries," Gaye claimed, citing reports from colleagues that driving between East African nations could take two days.

He questioned whether CAF was "lowering the standard" by moving the tournament away from the high-quality infrastructure seen in Morocco.

The comments caused an immediate backlash online. Kenyans pointed to the Nairobi Expressway and the under-construction Talanta Sports City Stadium as proof of progress.

A Vote of Confidence from CAF

Despite the criticism from some analysts, CAF President Patrice Motsepe has stood firm on the choice of hosts. He emphasised his duty to develop football across the entire continent, not just in countries that already possess world-class facilities.

"I’m confident that the AFCON in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda will be enormously successful," Motsepe stated.

The Road to 2027

While Gaye warned that CAF has "no sentiment" and could withdraw hosting rights if preparations fail, the regional mood remains optimistic.

Owiti’s high-level interactions in Morocco have reinforced the message that Kenya is ready to welcome the continent.

The 2027 tournament will mark the first time in history that these three East African nations host the prestigious event together.

With the 2025 edition in Morocco being hailed for its superb organisation, the pressure is now on East Africa to meet those rising standards.