2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana to play remaining home games in Nigeria - Report

The Black Stars of Ghana will play their remaining 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches in Nigeria after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) banned the use of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, according to Joy Sports.

The report indicates that to minimise costs, Ghanaian football officials are considering a stadium in Nigeria for the Black Stars' games.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and other venues, including Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny and Stade de la Paix in Côte d’Ivoire, are under serious consideration.

Other potential options include Cameroon and Morocco, but the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has yet to finalise and communicate its decision to CAF, the Joy Sports report added.

This decision follows CAF's withdrawal of approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, due to technical issues, including an unsuitable playing field.

CAF made this decision after observing the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5th, 2024.

The stadium was found to not meet the required standards for hosting Category 3 international matches.

The CAF team identified several problems, such as an unsuitable playing field with uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover.

The Baba Yara Stadium, which seats over 40,000, has hosted numerous high-profile matches, including World Cup qualifiers and AFCON games.

CAF officials expressed their dissatisfaction with the stadium's condition, emphasizing the need for Ghanaian authorities to invest in upgrading the facility to meet international standards.

SB/ ADG