Why Godswill Akpabio Stadium is an option for Ghana International matches following Baba Yara ban
Following a ban placed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium, the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, has emerged as a leading alternative for hosting the Black Stars’ upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
CAF’s decision comes after an inspection revealed several deficiencies at the Baba Yara Stadium, including uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and insufficient grass cover.
These issues, which have also been reported at other major stadiums in Ghana, such as the Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium, have led CAF to mandate that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) select an alternative venue outside the country for the crucial AFCON qualifiers scheduled for October.
With limited time to make a decision, Ghana is considering nearby venues, and the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo stands out as a favorable option.
The Nigerian stadium, known for hosting Super Eagles matches, boasts world-class facilities and has a proven track record of hosting international competitions. It has also been a hub for domestic teams, such as NPFL champions Rangers, who played their CAF Champions League preliminary round match against Comoros’ Zilmadjou at the venue.
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium offers an ideal solution for Ghana due to its proximity, making it logistically easier for both players and fans to travel.
The stadium’s excellent infrastructure and capacity to accommodate large crowds further make it a prime candidate for such high-profile matches.
In addition to the Uyo stadium, other venues under consideration include the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny and the Stade de la Paix in Côte d’Ivoire, the Japoma Stadium in Cameroon, and the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco. Ghana is expected to announce its final decision to CAF in the coming days.
The pressure is mounting for Ghana to secure a suitable venue as the AFCON qualifiers draw closer with matchdays in October, and the potential to play in Nigeria could provide the team with a competitive advantage in a familiar West African setting. However, this development also comes after recent unrest among Ghanaian fans, who vented their frustrations following a 1-0 loss to Angola in an earlier AFCON qualifier at the Baba Yara Stadium.
For now, all eyes are on the GFA as they make their choice, but Nigeria’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium remains a top contender, offering Ghana a chance to continue their AFCON journey with minimal disruption.
