Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, may need to move their remaining home matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers to Nigeria, according to local reports.
This possible relocation follows the Confederation of African Football (CAF) withdrawal approval for the use of the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi. CAF’s decision came after a recent inspection revealed several structural and maintenance issues with the stadium.
Key concerns included an uneven playing surface, inadequate drainage, and poor grass cover, which led CAF to revoke the stadium’s approval.
The Baba Yara Stadium is not the only venue with problems. Similar issues have been reported at other Ghanaian stadiums, such as the Cape Coast Stadium and the Accra Sports Stadium, leaving the Black Stars without a suitable venue for their upcoming qualifiers.
CAF has instructed Ghana to find an alternative venue for their Matchday 3 and 4 fixtures scheduled for October.
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, is a leading candidate for hosting these matches. 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 Morocco’s Berkane Municipal Stadium.
The Ghana Football Association is expected to make a final decision and inform CAF in the coming days.
