Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, is set to host its upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) home qualifiers in Nigeria after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi unsuitable for competitive matches. The decision comes after a CAF inspection raised significant concerns about the stadium’s structural integrity, poor drainage, and uneven playing surfaces.
Reports from Ghana indicate that the rejection of the Baba Yara Stadium, coupled with similar failures from other venues like Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadiums, has left the country without an approved stadium for the crucial AFCON qualifiers. As a result, Ghana has been instructed by CAF to secure an alternative venue for their Matchday three and four fixtures, scheduled for October, outside the country.
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One of the frontrunners for hosting these matches is Nigeria’s Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. This stadium, which can hold 30,000 spectators, has been praised for its modern facilities and is currently used by Nigeria’s Super Eagles for their home games. Its proximity to Ghana makes it a convenient option for hosting the qualifiers.
Other stadiums being considered include Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, and Morocco’s Berkane Municipal Stadium. However, with the Uyo facility being the most logistically favorable option, it is expected to be the final choice.
The Ghana Football Association is expected to announce its decision on the venue in the coming days, ensuring the Black Stars have a proper facility to continue their AFCON campaign.
