Ghana to Use Nigeria as Venue for AFCON Qualifiers After CAF Rejects Home Stadium

Ghana’s Black Stars are set to play their remaining 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) home qualifiers in Nigeria, according to reports.

This development followed the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) rejection of their home venue, the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, citing several deficiencies.

CAF’s inspection team deemed the Kumasi-based stadium unsuitable for competitive matches, highlighting significant structural issues, including poor drainage systems, uneven playing surfaces, and inadequate grass cover.

The decision has left Ghana scrambling to find an alternative venue ahead of their crucial Matchday three and four qualifiers in October.

The Baba Yara Stadium is not the only Ghanaian venue facing issues. Other popular options, such as the Cape Coast Stadium and the Accra Sports Stadium, failed to meet CAF’s stringent standards.

With no approved stadiums available domestically, CAF has instructed Ghana to look outside the country for a suitable venue.

Reports indicate that the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, will most likely host the Black Stars’ upcoming qualifiers.

The 30,000-capacity stadium currently serves as the home ground for Nigeria’s Super Eagles and offers proximity and convenience.

Other staduims on the list are: Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Cameroon’s Japoma Stadium, and the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco.

The Ghana Football Association is expected to make an official announcement soon, with time running out ahead of the October fixtures.

Ghana is looking to secure its spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament, but the stadium setback adds another challenge to their qualification campaign.

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