Ghana may play AFCON qualifiers in Nigeria over substandard stadia

The Ghana Black Stars will be forced to play their remaining 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Nigeria after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rejected their home stadium, the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

CAF’s inspection team found the stadium to be in a state of disrepair, citing poor drainage, uneven playing surfaces, and inadequate grass cover. With other Ghanaian venues also failing to meet CAF’s standards, the country has been left with no choice but to seek an alternative venue.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, is currently the leading contender due to its proximity. The stadium, which serves as the home ground for the Super Eagles, has a capacity of 30,000.

Other potential 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 announce its final decision on the matter in the coming days.