Ghana Set to Host AFCON Qualifiers in Nigeria After CAF Rejects ...

Ghana’s Black Stars are set to play their remaining 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) home qualifiers in Nigeria, according to reports from Ghana. This comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deemed the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi unfit to host competitive matches.

CAF’s inspection team raised concerns about the stadium’s structural issues, including inadequate drainage, an uneven playing surface, and patchy grass cover. Due to these deficiencies, the venue failed to meet the standards required for international fixtures.

With other stadiums in Ghana, such as Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadiums, also falling short of CAF’s requirements, the country currently lacks an approved venue for the upcoming qualifiers.

CAF has instructed Ghana to find an alternative location for their crucial Matchday three and four qualifiers in October, which must now be held outside the country.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, has emerged as the leading candidate due to its proximity and suitability. The 30,000-capacity stadium, the home ground of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, is likely to host Ghana’s matches.

Other venues under consideration include Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Cameroon’s Japoma Stadium in Douala, and the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco.

The Ghana Football Association is expected to make a final decision on the venue in the coming days.