Niger have formally requested to use the Accra Sports Stadium as their home venue for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, National Sports Authority (NSA) Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has confirmed.
The request comes as several African countries face challenges securing approved venues following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) stringent stadium inspection and licensing requirements.
Ampofo Ankrah said Ghana is currently assessing its stadium commitments ahead of the next international window, with a number of national teams and youth sides expected to require facilities for competitive matches.
Niger’s request comes at a time when Ghana is preparing to host the U-20 AFCON tournament next year, while the Black Meteors are also expected to begin their qualifiers for the Olympic Games.
“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,” Ampofo Ankrah said.
The potential hosting arrangement would place additional demands on the Accra Sports Stadium, particularly its playing surface, with the NSA expected to accelerate maintenance and rehabilitation work to ensure the facility meets CAF’s requirements.
Ampofo Ankrah acknowledged the tight schedule facing the stadium authorities but said preparations would be stepped up to accommodate the various international fixtures.
“We need to look at all of this and work quickly to ensure that we’re ready to do the necessary,” he added.
