Nigeria set to bail Ghana out of trouble after CAF slams stadium ban on four-time African champions

Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, are likely to play their remaining home matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

This comes after the Confederation of African Football withdrew approval for the use of the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi due to several structural and maintenance issues.

CAF’s inspection team recently visited the stadium and raised concerns about the condition of the playing field, citing uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover as reasons for the stadium’s unsuitability for competitive matches.

These problems, along with similar issues at other Ghanaian stadiums such as Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadium, have left Ghana without an approved venue for their crucial upcoming AFCON qualifiers.

CAF has officially directed Ghana to find an alternative stadium outside the country for their Matchday 3 and 4 AFCON qualifiers, which are scheduled for October.

In light of this, the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, has emerged as a frontrunner, according to Myjoyonline.

The stadium, known for its world-class facilities and proximity to Ghana, appears to be the most convenient option for the Black Stars.

Other venues under consideration include the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny and Stade de la Paix, both located in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as Cameroon’s Japoma Stadium in Douala and the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco.

Ghana are expected to announce its final decision to CAF within the coming days. Until then, the uncertainty surrounding their home fixtures remains a significant concern for the four-time AFCON champions.

With crucial games against Sudan in October, Ghana will hope to secure a venue that offers them the best chance to progress in the tournament.