Following a ban positioned by the Confederation of African Soccer (CAF) on Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium, the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, has emerged as a number one various for internet hosting the Black Stars’ upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
CAF’s choice comes after an inspection revealed a number of deficiencies on the Baba Yara Stadium, together with uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cowl.
These points, which have additionally been reported at different main stadiums in Ghana, such because the Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports activities Stadium, have led CAF to mandate that the Ghana Soccer Affiliation (GFA) choose another venue exterior the nation for the essential AFCON qualifiers scheduled for October.
With restricted time to decide, Ghana is contemplating close by venues, and the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium in Uyo stands out as a positive choice.
The Nigerian stadium, identified for internet hosting Tremendous Eagles matches, boasts world-class services and has a confirmed observe file of internet hosting worldwide competitions. It has additionally been a hub for home groups, corresponding to NPFL champions Rangers, who performed their CAF Champions League preliminary spherical match towards Comoros’ Zilmadjou on the venue.
The Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium affords a perfect answer for Ghana resulting from its proximity, making it logistically simpler for each gamers and followers to journey.
The stadium’s glorious infrastructure and capability to accommodate massive crowds additional make it a first-rate candidate for such high-profile matches.
Along with the Uyo stadium, different venues into consideration embrace 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 anticipated to announce its closing choice to CAF within the coming days.
The stress is mounting for Ghana to safe an appropriate venue because the AFCON qualifiers draw nearer with matchdays in October, and the potential to play in Nigeria might present the workforce with a aggressive benefit in a well-known West African setting. Nonetheless, this improvement additionally comes after latest unrest amongst Ghanaian followers, who vented their frustrations following a 1-0 loss to Angola in an earlier AFCON qualifier on the Baba Yara Stadium.
For now, all eyes are on the GFA as they make their selection, however Nigeria’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium stays a high contender, providing Ghana an opportunity to proceed their AFCON journey with minimal disruption.