Niger Seeks to Use Accra Sports Stadium for AFCON Qualifiers

Niger has formally approached Ghana to use the Accra Sports Stadium as their home venue for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches, according to National Sports Authority (NSA) Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

The request comes at a time when several African countries are facing difficulties securing approved home venues due to the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) stringent stadium requirements.

Busy Schedule Ahead for Accra Sports Stadium

Ampofo Ankrah disclosed that the NSA is assessing Niger’s request alongside a potentially busy schedule involving Ghana’s national youth teams, which could also require the Accra Sports Stadium for their international fixtures.

“The under-20, the Olympic team, the Black Meteors would also want to have their matches in Ghana. Obviously, that schedule is yet to be released by CAF. And then we’ve had a request from Niger wanting to use Accra as their home venue,” he said.

Stadium Management Under Pressure

The development could result in the Accra Sports Stadium hosting several international matches within a relatively short period, increasing pressure on the facility—particularly its playing surface.

With the various fixtures yet to be fully confirmed, the NSA says preparations must begin early to ensure the stadium can cope with the expected workload while meeting CAF’s standards.

Ampofo Ankrah acknowledged the challenge facing the stadium’s management team and stressed the need for immediate action.

“We need to look at all of this and work quickly to ensure that we’re ready to do the necessary,” he added.