2025 AFCONQ: Ghana eyes Nigeria for remaining games after CAF ban

Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, may have to relocate their remaining home matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers to Nigeria.

According to local reports, this possible move follows the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to withdraw its 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 at the stadium.

Among the concerns were an uneven playing surface, inadequate drainage, and poor grass cover, which led the governing body to revoke its approval for the venue.

The problems at Baba Yara Stadium aren’t isolated, as other key stadiums in Ghana, including the Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium, are also reportedly facing similar issues.

This leaves the Black Stars without an approved home venue for their crucial upcoming AFCON qualifiers, potentially forcing them to play in Nigeria.

In response, CAF has instructed Ghana to secure an alternative venue for their Matchday 3 and 4 fixtures, scheduled for October.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, has emerged as a leading candidate for hosting these games.

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 notify CAF in the coming days.