Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, are set to play their remaining home matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in Nigeria, MySportDab Reports.
This development follows the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to withdraw approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, citing structural and maintenance issues.
CAF’s inspection team recently assessed the Kumasi stadium and raised serious concerns about the facility’s condition. Key issues included uneven playing surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover, rendering the venue unsuitable for competitive international matches.
These problems, combined with similar deficiencies at other Ghanaian venues like Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadium, have left the country without an approved stadium for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
CAF has instructed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to secure an alternative stadium outside the country for their crucial Matchday 3 and 4 fixtures, scheduled for October. The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, has emerged as the leading option due to its world-class facilities and proximity to Ghana.
Other venues under consideration include Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny and Stade de la Paix, as well as the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, and the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco.
Ghana is expected to finalize and announce their decision to CAF in the coming days. With key AFCON qualifiers against Sudan in October, the Black Stars are eager to secure a venue that provides them with the best opportunity to progress in the tournament.
The uncertainty surrounding their home fixtures is a significant concern for the four-time AFCON champions as they seek to qualify for the prestigious continental competition.
