Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, may play their remaining 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) home qualifiers in Nigeria, following the rejection of their home ground by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The team is considering the 30,000-capacity Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as a possible venue.

CAF’s decision came after an inspection of the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, revealed significant structural concerns. The inspection team cited poor drainage, uneven playing surfaces, and inadequate grass cover, deeming the stadium unfit for hosting competitive matches.

With no approved venue in Ghana, the Black Stars are now forced to look for alternative stadiums outside the country. Should they choose the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, it will become the home ground for both Ghana and Nigeria’s Super Eagles, as the stadium already meets CAF standards.

Other stadiums under consideration include Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny and Stade de la Paix, Cameroon’s Japoma Stadium, and Morocco’s Berkane Municipal Stadium. However, the Akwa Ibom Stadium is reportedly the top choice due to its proximity and suitability for international matches.

Only the Akwa Ibom International Stadium has been accepted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in June of this year.

An official communiqué issued on Monday verified this.

CAF stated that the 48-country list is “specific for the group stage qualifiers on Matchday 5”.

With only the stadium in Uyo approved for Nigeria, it appears the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Abuja is banned.

This means CAF has deemed that Nigeria has only one stadium fit enough to host elite CAF/FIFA games.

Jose Peseiro’s side is currently on top of Group A with nine points from four games.

A draw against Sierra Leone in their next fixture will be enough to seal a place in Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

The goal of Akwa United is to capture their third Federation Cup championship in eight years.

In 2015 and 2017, the Uyo team won Nigeria’s oldest club competition.

The Promise Keepers’ competition campaign will get underway at the INEC Stadium in Enugu against Wikki Tourists in the Round of 64.

Ayodeji Ayeni, the head coach, is anticipated to pick a powerful team for the match.

The head coach evaluated this year’s competitive prospects for his team.
“The FA Cup is a knockout competition and we are familiar with it. The competition is the easiest and simplest way to win a national trophy and qualify to play in the continent but it’s always full of upsets, “Ayeni told the club’s media.

“So we have to be on top of our game in every match and ensure we don’t give room for unnecessary distractions.”