AFCON

    Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, faces the possibility of relocating their remaining home matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers to Nigeria. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has withdrawn its approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi due to significant structural and maintenance issues identified in a recent inspection. Concerns over an uneven playing surface, inadequate drainage, and poor grass cover were cited as reasons for the decision. The Baba Yara Stadium’s troubles are part of a broader issue affecting several Ghanaian venues, including the Cape Coast Stadium and the Accra Sports Stadium, which also face similar problems. Consequently, 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 to host these matches. With a capacity of 30,000, it is the home ground for Nigeria’s Super Eagles. 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 announce its final decision and notify CAF in the coming days.