Africa boasts some of the most spectacular stadiums globally, each a testament to the continent’s passion for sports. So, we are going to review the Largest Stadiums In Africa.
For example, the Africa Cup of Nations takes place in the Ivory Coast in January 2024.
Six (6) different stadiums will host matches in five (5) cities across the country, the largest being the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, which holds 60,000 people.
In this article, we delve into the Largest Stadiums In Africa, unraveling their architectural marvels, historical significance, and the electrifying atmosphere they create.
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Table Summary of the Largest Stadiums in Africa
| Rank | Stadium | Capacity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FNB Stadium | 94,736 | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| 2 | Borg El Arab Stadium | 86,000 | Alexandria, Egypt |
| 3 | Stade des Martyrs | 80,000 | Kinshasa, DR Congo |
| 4 | Cairo International Stadium | 74,100 | Cairo, Egypt |
| 5 | Stade 5 Juillet | 64,000 | Algiers, Algeria |
| 6 | Ellis Park Stadium | 62,567 | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| 7 | Abuja Stadium | 60,491 | Abuja, Nigeria |
| 8 | Stade Olympique de Rades | 60,000 | Radès, Tunisia |
| 9 | Stade National de la Côte d’Ivoire | 60,000 | Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
| 10 | Stade Municipal de Kintélé | 60,000 | Brazzaville, Congo |
| 11 | Bahir Dar Stadium | 60,000 | Bahir Dar, Ethiopia |
| 12 | Mkapa Stadium | 60,000 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
| 13 | Stade Leopold Senghor | 60,000 | Dakar, Senegal |
| 14 | Moi International Sports Centre | 60,000 | Nairobi, Kenya |
| 15 | Heroes National Stadium | 60,000 | Lusaka, Zambia |
| 16 | National Sports Stadium | 60,000 | Harare, Zimbabwe |
| 17 | Odi Stadium | 60,000 | Mabopane, South Africa |
| 18 | Mmabatho Stadium | 59,000 | Mafikeng, South Africa |
| 19 | Cape Town Stadium | 58,300 | Cape Town, South Africa |
| 20 | May 19 Stadium | 56,000 | Annaba, Algeria |
| 21 | Moses Mabhida Stadium | 56,000 | Durban, South Africa |
| 22 | Kings Park Stadium | 52,000 | Durban, South Africa |
| 23 | Stade Moulay Abdellah | 52,000 | Rabat, Morocco |
| 24 | Loftus Versfeld Stadium | 51,762 | Pretoria, South Africa |
| 25 | Newlands Stadium | 51,100 | Cape Town, South Africa |
| 26 | June 11 Stadium | 50,000 | Tripoli, Libya |
| 27 | Estádio 11 de Novembro | 50,000 | Luanda, Angola |
| 28 | Stade 26 mars | 50,000 | Bamako, Mali |
| 29 | Nongo Stadium | 50,000 | Conakry, Guinea |
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Africa is already known as a sports-loving continent. Although most parts of the continent are poor and underdeveloped, it does not mean that there are no large sporting venues. Some of Africa’s stadiums rival many of their counterparts in the rest of the world.
Top 10 Largest Stadiums In Africa
Here is a list of the top 10 largest stadiums in Africa:
#1. FNB Stadium, South Africa
First National Bank Stadium has a seating capacity of 94,736; and the stadium is located in Johannesburg, the capital of South Africa.
The FNB Stadium opened in 1989 and has been renovated twice since then. The venue is normally a site for football and rugby games, as both sports are popular in South Africa.
FNB Stadium has also been nicknamed “Soccer City” and “The Calabash”. The former nickname was given to the venue when it played host to football matches that were part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, while the latter is the name of a type of African pot, denoting the stadium’s shape.
In addition to FNB Stadium hosting international sporting events, it is also home to a local football club known as Kaizer Chiefs FC.
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#2. Borg Al-Arab Stadium
The Borg Al-Arab Stadium is located in Egypt and was built as part of Egypt’s bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which ultimately took place in South Africa.
The said stadium venue also goes by the names El Geish and Alexandria, the latter denoting the port city to which it is located close. Unlike most stadiums in Africa, Borg Al-Arab was built for one purpose: football.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 90,000 but has historically hosted a fraction of this number, which is why it has never served as the home of any local football club.
However, the Borg Al-Arab Stadium hosts games played by Egypt’s national football squad and has also hosted several important football matches, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Egypt and Congo, which drew a record 86,000 spectators.
#3. Stade Des Martyrs De La Pentecote, DRC
Stade Des Martyrs De La Pentecote is the third-largest stadium on our list of the largest African stadiums and it is located in the city of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It was originally known as the Kamanyola Stadium and was built in 1994, with a seating capacity of 80,000, which is more than Europe’s tenth-largest stadium, the Ataturk Olympic Stadium can hold.
The venue was billed as a crowning achievement of the then-ruling regime of Mobutu Sese Seko. The stadium currently hosts two local football clubs, AS Vita Club and DC Motema Pembe. The national football team also plays its home matches at this venue.
The first match played at the Stade des Martyrs was a friendly match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi.
#4. Cairo International Stadium
The Cairo International Stadium is the fourth on our list of the largest stadiums in Africa; located in the capital city of Egypt; the stadium has a capacity of 74,100 and was opened in 1960.
During the time it opened, it was called the Nasser Stadium, after then Egyptian President, Gamal Abd Al-Nasser. The stadium serves as the official home of Egypt’s national football squad.
In 2005, the Cairo International Stadium underwent some extensive renovations in preparation for hosting the African Cup of Nations football tournament the following year.
However, the stadium is not the official home of any local football club, though it does host significant football matches involving local teams like Al Ahly and Zamalek.
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#5. Stade 5 Juillet Stadium
The fifth-largest stadium in Africa on our list is the Stade 5 Juillet, 1962 (July 5, 1962 Stadium). Its name references the independence day of the Republic of Algeria, the country in which it is based. More specifically, the venue is located in Algeria’s capital, Algiers.
The Stade 5 Juillet Stadium opened in 1972; and since then has hosted numerous international sporting events, including the 1975 Mediterranean Games, the 1978 All-Africa Games, and the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations football tournament.
In July 2010, the Stade 5 Juillet Stadium recorded an attendance of 110,000 people, who came to see the national football team play against Serbia, despite the venue’s regular capacity being just 64,000.
#6. Ellis Park Stadium
Ellis Park Stadium is Africa’s sixth-largest stadium and is also the second-largest in South Africa. It is located in Johannesburg. The original stadium was built in 1928 and was demolished in 1979, however, and was subsequently rebuilt.
The current location of the Ellis Park Stadium, which is often called Emirates Airlines Park for sponsorship reasons, has a capacity of 62,567. In 2005, Ellis Park Stadium made history as the first black-owned stadium in the country.
The Ellis Park Stadium has hosted many important football matches including games that were part of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is also a premier venue for rugby.
In fact, in 1995 alone, 65,000 spectators packed the stadium to watch South Africa win the Rugby World Cup of that year. Ellis Park Stadium is also the home of Johannesburg’s rugby team, the Highveld Lions.
#7. Moshood Abiola National Stadium (Abuja Stadium)
Moshood Abiola National Stadium is also known as the Abuja Stadium; located in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. It was recently renamed Moshood Abiola National Stadium, after a late pro-democracy advocate, but is still often referred to as Abuja Stadium.
The Moshood Abiola National Stadium was opened in 2003 and has a seating capacity of 60,491. It was originally intended to host the 2003 African Games but has also hosted local football clubs and the national football squad.
The Abuja Stadium (Moshood Abiola National Stadium) does not, however, serve as the home venue for any local sports teams for the simple reason that the country’s local teams do not draw the kind of crowds that could fill it.
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#8. Stade Olympique de Rades Stadium
The Stade Olympique de Radès is a prominent multi-purpose stadium located in Radès, a suburb of Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia.
The stadium stands as one of the most significant sports and entertainment venues in the country. Its construction was completed in 2001, and it has since played a pivotal role in hosting various sporting events, concerts, and cultural activities.
Primarily designed for football (soccer) matches, the Stade Olympique de Radès has a seating capacity of around 60,000 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in North Africa.
The stadium’s architecture incorporates modern elements and state-of-the-art facilities, providing an excellent venue for international competitions and events.
It has become the home ground for several Tunisian football clubs, including Club Africain and Espérance Sportive de Tunis.
Over the years, the Stade Olympique de Radès has been chosen to host significant football tournaments, including matches during the African Cup of Nations.
Its versatility extends beyond football, with the stadium frequently hosting athletics events, concerts featuring both local and international artists, and various cultural gatherings.
#9. Stade National de la Côte d’Ivoire
Opened in 2020, the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, commonly known as the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé and formerly as the National Stadium of the Ivory Coast, is a multi-purpose stadium in Ebimpé and Anyama, in northern Abidjan.
#10. Stade Municipal de Kintélé
Stade Municipal de Kintélé or Stade Municipal de Kintélé in Brazzaville is the national stadium of the Republic of the Congo; with a seating capacity of 60,000.
The Stade Municipal de Kintélé stadium was opened in 2015 and is used for football matches and also has an athletics track. It hosts the home games of Congo national football team.
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FAQs
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Conclusion
In concluding our exploration of the Largest Stadiums In Africa, it’s evident that these structures transcend their role as mere venues.
They embody the spirit of a continent, echoing with the cheers of millions and standing as testaments to the unifying power of sports.
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