With less than two weeks to the first leg of the World Cup playoff between Ghana and Nigeria, FIFA/CAF has sent a warning message that the game will be moved to a neutral ground following the poor nature of the Cape Coast stadium.
The Cape Coast stadium was used for Ghana’s 65th Independence Day parade, leaving the turf in an unplayable state.
However, the National Sports Authority has been working around the clock to ensure it is in good shape for the match against Nigeria.
Meanwhile, an inspection team from CAF has been at the Baba Yara sports stadium to check if it will be ideal as an alternative.
A decision will be made after the inspection of the Cape Coast stadium, but if both stadia fail to meet the requirement the game will be moved to Benin.
Earlier, the Ghana Football Association had requested for the Baba Yara Sports stadium to be considered as an alternative, but CAF rejected it.
“Considering the above, the request of change of venue is not accepted, hence the match Ghana Vs. Nigeria for the playoff round of the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 African qualifiers should be maintained at Cape Coast Stadium,” a statement from CAF read.
“In case your association reiterates the position to change the venue since there is no other approved venue in Ghana, your national team will be requested to play its upcoming Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 African qualifiers playoff round match in an approved stadium outside its territory, and the venue must be selected from among the stadiums approved by CAF.”
The next available option for Ghana will be the Matthew Kerekou Stadium in Benin, should Cape Coast and Kumasi fail the check.
That will be a massive advantage for Nigeria, who shares borders with Benin, as fans will find it easy crossing to support the Super Eagles.
GSN
