Samson Deen backs Black Challenge to win 2026 Amputee Football World Cup

African Paralympic Committee (APC) president Samson Deen has backed Ghana’s Black Challenge to win the 2026 World Amputee Football Championship in Mexico.

The tournament, organised by the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF), will take place from 13 to 22 November in San Juan de los Lagos, with 24 nations competing for the title.

Ghana, three-time African champions, have been drawn in Group D alongside Iraq, Colombia and former finalists Angola.

Speaking at a special ‘Dine with the Black Challenge’ send-off event on Thursday at the Mensah Sabah Hall Park at the University of Ghana, Deen expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and motivation ahead of the competition.

“The Black Challenge have been three-time African champions and this time, they are going to be world champions,” he said.

Deen, who is also president of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Ghana, called on the government and the public to give the team the support they deserve as they prepare to represent the country on the global stage.

He said he was applying his ‘target the podium’ philosophy, which he credited with helping international athlete Zinabu Issah win Ghana’s only silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, to inspire the team.

Deen urged the players to remain united, focused and disciplined throughout the tournament.

He also praised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for facilitating a $250,000 sponsorship package from Gold Fields Ghana, while acknowledging the support of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the media.

Team welfare officer Emmanuel Akpabli said the Black Challenge were highly motivated and had enjoyed their best camping period ahead of the competition.

He appealed for further financial and material support, adding that the team was an exciting side to watch because of the entertainment and intensity they bring to the field.

Head coach Stephen Richard Obeng has selected a squad he believes is ready to represent Ghana with determination.

Captain Richard Arthur Opentil thanked Ghanaians for their support and pledged that the players would do their best to uphold the country’s flag.

“This is the first time such a dinner has taken place, and we feel the love from the many people who have come around us,” he said.

The Black Challenge squad includes Isaah Jabel, Atsu Abor, Timothy Hayford, Richmond Fosu, Hamza Mohammed, Fuseini Iddi, Razak Seidu, Joseph Baidoo and Emmanuel Allotey.

The squad is completed by Sampson Larbie, Joseph Amoh, Richard Ekwarm, Prince Nyarko, Isaac Eshun and Yusif Yaya.

The team have been camping at the Mendiata Hotel in Achimota, Accra, and expressed gratitude to the National Paralympic Committee Ghana for its support.

The send-off event was attended by Kobby Woyome and about 60 traditional and social media practitioners, including bloggers.