AFCON: GHANA TO PLAY QUALIFIERS IN NIGERIA AFTER CAF REJECTS HOME STADIUM

September 11, 2024

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Ghana’s Black Stars are likely to host their remaining 2025 Africa Cup of Nations home qualifiers in Nigeria, according to multiple reports in the West African country.

This followed the Confederation of African Football’s rejection of their home venue, the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

CAF inspection team had deemed the stadium unsuitable for competitive matches flagging the major structural concerns, including poor drainage, uneven playing surfaces, and uneven grass cover

With other Ghanaian venues like the Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadiums also failing to meet CAF’s standards, the country is left without an approved stadium for their upcoming qualifiers.

CAF has directed Ghana to secure an alternative venue for crucial Matchday 3 and 4 ties in October outside the country,

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, has now emerged as the most likely option, given its proximity.

This facility, with a capacity of 30,000, currently serves as the home ground for Super Eagles.

Other stadiums 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 announce its final decision within the coming days.