Niger Consider Ghana As Potential Home Venue for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Niger Consider Ghana As Potential Home Venue for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

By Our Reporter 

Niger are reportedly considering Ghana as a possible alternative venue for their home matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, as the West African nation explores options for staging its fixtures outside the country, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The proposed arrangement would see the Mena host some of their AFCON qualifying matches on Ghanaian soil if the plan is approved and the necessary arrangements are concluded.

Niger are among the 48 nations drawn into the group stage of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The West Africans were placed in Group A alongside defending champions Morocco, Gabon and Lesotho following the draw conducted in Cairo in May.

The qualifiers are scheduled to begin in September, with the first two matchdays taking place between September 21 and October 6, 2026. Matchdays three and four will follow in November, while the final two rounds are scheduled for March 2027.

A move to Ghana would allow Niger to remain within the West African region while providing the national team with access to an international-standard facility capable of hosting a CAF-sanctioned fixture.

However, the proposal could face an important logistical consideration: Ghana itself is currently dealing with stadium-certification issues. The Confederation of African Football recently withdrew approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, prompting the Ghana Football Association to work with the authorities on refurbishment and compliance with CAF and FIFA requirements.

That situation means the availability of a CAF-approved Ghanaian venue will be crucial if Niger's proposed plan is to go ahead. Ghana have previously had to move international fixtures away from home when suitable venues were unavailable.

For Niger, the issue of a suitable home ground is particularly important as they prepare for a challenging qualifying group. Morocco, the reigning AFCON champions, are the clear favourites on paper, while Gabon and Lesotho will also be competing for one of the qualification places.

The 2027 AFCON finals will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027. The three host nations have already secured their places at the tournament but will participate in the qualifying competition. In the other groups, the top two teams will qualify for the finals.

Niger's potential move to Ghana therefore remains subject to further confirmation, including the identification of a suitable stadium and the necessary approval from CAF. If finalised, Ghana would add another international fixture to its calendar while providing Niger with a temporary base for their continental campaign.

For now, attention will remain on the venue arrangements as the September qualifying window approaches and Niger prepare for a demanding Group A campaign.