The Black Stars of Ghana may have to play their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) home qualifiers in Nigeria. This follows the Confederation of Africa Football’s (CAF) rejection of the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi due to concerns over its structural condition.
CAF’s inspection revealed several issues with the stadium, including poor drainage, an uneven playing surface, and inconsistent grass coverage, making it unfit for the upcoming qualifiers. Other potential venues in Ghana, like the Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadiums, also failed to meet the necessary standards.
With no approved stadium in Ghana, CAF has instructed the country to find an alternative venue for their crucial qualifiers in October. The leading option appears to be the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, thanks to its location and capacity to host large matches. This stadium, which seats 30,000, is the current home of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Other venues under consideration include Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny and Stade de la Paix, Cameroon’s Japoma Stadium in Douala, and the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco.
The Ghana Football Association is expected to make a final decision soon.
