Following the rejection of the Cape Coast Stadium to stage a playoff game against the Super Eagles by the FIFA cum CAF inspection committee, the continental soccer ruling body, has given its approval for the crucial first leg game to be played at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

Incidentally, it was at this Baba Yara Stadium that Nigeria’s Under 23 team saw their dream of qualifying for the 2011 All Africa Games messed up following a 2-0 defeat by Ghana.

Nigeria had won the first leg 3-1 only for the ‘star loaded’ side to capitulate in Kumasi under the watch of coach Eguavoen and crashed out of the race for Maputo 2011 on the superior away goal despite a 3-3 aggregate scoreline.

Eleven years on, coach Eguavoen will lead out the Super Eagles against the Black Stars after CAF granted ‘a one-match approval for Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi to host the World Cup Qatar 2022 playoff match between Ghana and Nigeria.

The approval came as a huge relief to the under pressure Ghana Football Association(GFA) with initial speculations that the first leg fixed for Match 25 will be held outside the country following the rejection of the Cape Coast Stadium.

In a letter signed by CAF Development Officer, Raul Chipenda and sent to the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association, Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq. and copied to FIFA, CAF stated that: “Reference to the CAF stadium inspection conducted to Baba Yara Sports Stadium (Kumasi) for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 African qualifiers playoff round match, Ghana Vs. Nigeria scheduled for the 25th of March 2022, following the analysis of the report we have taken the following decision

“Grant a one-match approval for the use of Baba Yara Sports Stadium (Kumasi) in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 African qualifiers playoff round match Ghana Vs. Nigeria.”