Ghana’s national amputee football team, the Black Challenge, are intensifying preparations for the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup scheduled to take place in Mexico from November 13 to 22.
The team, which has been in camp for the past month, continues to train at the University of Ghana under the guidance of head coach Richard Steven Obeng as they work towards making a strong impression at the tournament.
The Black Challenge have been drawn in Group D alongside Angola, Colombia and Iraq, with the team expected to continue their preparations in Ghana before travelling to Mexico later this month.
Meanwhile, President of the Ghana National Paralympic Committee and African Paralympic Committee, Samson Deen, has called on the government, corporate institutions, stakeholders and Ghanaians to offer the team unconditional support ahead of the competition.
Deen, who believes the players have the talent and determination to make the nation proud, organised a grand dinner in their honour to motivate them and officially send them off ahead of the mundial.
He also urged sports journalists to give the Black Challenge greater coverage, just as they do for other national teams, to help raise awareness and rally public support behind the amputee football team.
Head coach Richard Steven Obeng remains optimistic about Ghana’s chances at the World Cup, expressing confidence that his players can compete strongly and bring glory to the country.
However, he appealed to the relevant authorities and stakeholders to settle the team’s outstanding bonuses, stressing the importance of motivation as the players approach the global competition.
Captain Richard Opentil Arthur also acknowledged the positive impact of the team’s camping on their preparations and commended Samson Deen for his efforts in supporting the team.
Arthur, however, called for increased backing for the Black Challenge, insisting that with the right motivation and support, the team can go all the way and win the World Cup in Mexico.
The team’s preparations were celebrated at a dinner attended by journalists and members of the National Paralympic Committee, where the players enjoyed music and entertainment as part of their official send-off.
With preparations gathering momentum, the Black Challenge will be hoping to translate their hard work into a successful campaign and make Ghana proud on the world stage.
Story By Jones Adzi
