Report: Ghana Vs Nigeria gets new venue

The Cape Coast Stadium, which was supposed to be the venue for the first leg, is currently in bad shape, and CAF has approved Ghana’s request to move the game to another venue 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the Ghanaian Football Association’s request to move the first leg of the crucial Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Ghana to the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

The first leg of the crucial World Cup qualifier was initially slated for the Cape Coast Stadium. However, Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations two weeks ago left the pitch in a deplorable state, and some facilities were damaged.

There were reports that the National Sports Authority in Ghana were making frantic steps to ensure the Stadium is back in good shape before the game on the 25th of March. Nevertheless, the GFA still requested that the match be moved to Kumasi.

The Ghanaian FA has confirmed that the Baba Yara Stadium will host the crucial tie with conditions placed by CAF before the approval.

Some of the conditions as stated by CAF include;

“Installation of new international standard, modern and comfortable officials’ benches at pitch level;

“Adjustment of the floodlight intensity. A minimum of 1200 Lux should be provided all over the pitch, covering uniformly every area of the playing field;

“Increase seating and lockers in the teams dressing rooms to reach (25) persons;

“Installation of completely new modern equipment and materials in the referees dressing rooms and ensure that is equipped with all the necessary materials and CAF requirements;

“Set up the water system to provide both cold and hot water in the teams and officials dressing room;

“General refurbishment of the CAF office, installation of modern desks and seats, including the necessary electronic and working equipment;

“VOC must be available and equipped with all the necessary equipment and requirements;

“Complete refurbishment of the media tribune, press conference room and media centre, installing new and modern equipment.”

CAF further stated that “In order to follow the progress of the above-mentioned works in the stadium, CAF will designate a stadium inspector to conduct an onsite assessment up till the day of the upcoming FIFA match.”

With less than ten days to the game, CAF also warned that there will be financial sanctions imposed on Ghana if the conditions are not met.

What to know about the Baba Yara Stadium 

The Baba Yara Stadium is one of the oldest in Ghana, and it is the stadium with the highest sitting capacity, at 40,528. The playing surface is natural grass.

It has played host to some crucial games, including seven at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations.