Ghana to play AFCON qualifiers in Nigeria as CAF rejects home stadium

Ghana’s Black Stars are likely to host their remaining 2025 Africa Cup of Nations home qualifiers in Nigeria, according to multiple reports in the West African country.

This followed the Confederation of African Football’s rejection of their home venue, the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

CAF’s inspection team had deemed the stadium unsuitable for competitive matches flagging the major structural concerns, including poor drainage, uneven playing surfaces, and uneven grass cover.

With other Ghanaian venues like the Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadiums also failing to meet CAF’s standards, the country is left without an approved stadium for their upcoming qualifiers.

CAF has directed Ghana to secure an alternative venue for crucial Matchday three and four ties in October outside the country.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, has now emerged as the most likely option, given its proximity.

This facility, with a capacity of 30,000, currently serves as the home ground for the Super Eagles.

Other stadiums 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 within the coming days.