Accra Sports Stadium cleared as Niger, Somalia seek venue

National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has confirmed that the Accra Sports Stadium is approved to host top-level international matches, with Niger and Somalia also seeking to use the facility for their upcoming fixtures.

The development represents a significant turnaround for the stadium following recent concerns over the condition of the pitch and other areas of the facility ahead of Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Speaking exclusively to 3Sports, Ampofo Ankrah confirmed that the Accra Sports Stadium is currently Ghana’s only approved venue for matches of that level.

“Accra Sports Stadium is currently the only approved venue for FIFA Category A matches,” he told 3Sports.

The NSA has recently undertaken work at the facility as it prepares to host international football, although Ampofo Ankrah acknowledged that further improvements will still be required.

Beyond Ghana’s own matches, the venue is attracting interest from other African national teams unable to stage their home fixtures in their respective countries.

Ampofo Ankrah confirmed that Niger are expected to use the Accra Sports Stadium for their home fixture against Lesotho on September 24.

The game will take place while Ghana’s Black Stars are away in Bouaké for their own international assignment.

“On the 24th of September, the Black Stars will be in Bouaké. And at the same time, Niger will be here against Lesotho. So we're preparing for that,” he said.

Somalia have also expressed interest in using the venue for their home fixture against Ghana.

Ampofo Ankrah revealed that communication received through the Ghana Football Association indicates the Accra Sports Stadium could stage both legs of Ghana’s qualifying meetings with Somalia.

“Both matches will be played at Accra, home and away. So that's what the FA has communicated. So we need to prepare for those matches.”

The NSA Director-General described the arrangements with Niger and Somalia as part of Ghana’s collaboration with other African football nations, CAF and the Ghana Football Association.

“It's more of a collaboration, partnership support… for CAF's request, or Somalia's request, and Niger's request through the Confederation of African Football and the Ghana Football Association.”

The increasing demand for the Accra Sports Stadium comes after a period of uncertainty over Ghana’s ability to provide a suitable venue for international football.

Despite its current approval, Ampofo Ankrah stressed that the work on the stadium is far from complete, with more extensive improvements planned beyond the immediate qualifying fixtures.

“There's a lot of work that still needs to be done, not just here at the Accra Sports Stadium, but across the regions,” he said.

For now, however, the clearance means the national stadium is set for a busy international window — hosting Ghana while also providing a temporary home for Niger and potentially Somalia.