Panic in Ghana as Venue for Black Stars Versus Nigeria Game Set To Be Changed

Panic in Ghana as Venue for Black Stars Versus Nigeria Game Set To Be Changed

Lukman Mumuni
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:58 PM
In this article:
FIFA World Cup logo
FIFA World Cup
International
  • Ghana's World Cup play-off against Nigeria could be moved from the Cape Coast stadium to eith Morocco or Benin
  • The Cape Coast stadium is currently undergoing repairs after it was left in poor state following the Independence Day parade
  • Ghana hosts the Super Eagles of Nigeria on March 25, 2022 in the first leg of their crucial World Cup qualifier

The venue for Ghana's first leg World Cup play-off against Nigeria could be moved from the Cape Coast stadium to a new ground.

The Cape Coast stadium was left in terrible shape after the Independence Day parade a week ago, and Nigeria filled a petition against the poor nature of the pitch.

Despite repair works by the National Sports Authority to get the playing turf in shape for the game on March 25, 2022, reports in the West African country indicates FIFA has warned Ghana the game could be moved to either Morocco or Benin.

Cape Coast stadium undergoing repairs. Credit: @SaddickAdams @ghanasoccernet
FIFA warns Ghana over poor state of Cape Coast stadium. Credit: @SaddickAdams @ghanasoccernet
Source: Twitter

Officials from the Confederation of African Football are in Ghana to inspect the Cape Coast stadium before a final decision is made.

The team of inspectors first visited the Baba Yara stadium, which could be an alternative, but will be in Cape Coast on Monday.

The Black Stars will host Nigeria in the first leg in Ghana before traveling to Abuja four days later for the second leg.

The winner of on aggregate will qualify for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Ghana to announce squad for Nigeria clash this week

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the Ghana Football Association has reportedly decided not to announce the Black Stars squad to face the Super Eagles of Nigeria later this month.

According to the report filed by Nhyira FM, the football federation opted for this initiative as a surprise strategy against their West African neighbours.

Ghana's opponents, Nigeria named a 25-man star-studded team with seven others on standby for the two-legged tie on Friday, March 4.

AS Roma youngster Felix Afena-Gyan set for Black Stars call up

Ghanaian teen sensation Felix Afena-Gyan could be part of the Black Stars team to face Nigeria in the crucial World Cup qualifier later this month.

The 19-year-old AS Roma forward returned from injury to feature for the Italian giants as they defeated Atalanta over the weekend.

His injury return is a huge boost for interim Black Stars coach Otto Addo, who is struggling to name his squad due to fitness problems with Ghanaian players abroad.

Authors
Lukman Mumuni photo
Lukman Mumuni
Lukman Abdul Mumin is a Sports Journalist based in Accra, Ghana. He has been writing for the past five years. Lukman joined Sports Brief as an Editor for the Local Desk in 2022.
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