Black Challenge’s World Cup Push Draws Backing from the FA, a Mining Sponsor, a Black Stars Great and a Minister

Story by Isaac Mortey and Derek Nii Asai Ankrah

Ghana’s national amputee football team, the Black Challenge, is drawing support from every direction as it prepares for the 2026 World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) World Cup in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, from November 13 to 22.

At the centre is the Ghana Football Association’s activation of funds under its two-year, US$5 million partnership with Gold Fields Ghana Limited, unveiled on May 8, 2026. US$500,000 of the package has been earmarked for the team.

The money is meant to cover accommodation, feeding, flight tickets and allowances.

The GFA has also paid the team’s visa fees for the training camp in Turkey and the tournament in Mexico, and supplied more than 30 footballs and training cones.

General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, who has visited training on several occasions, has promised named national jerseys and camp wear and training kits carrying Gold Fields branding.

The Association is also discussing two extra physiotherapists and a doctor for the squad, and is working with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ghana Paralympic Committee on travel arrangements.

Former Black Stars captain André “Dede” Ayew visited the squad at Ajax Park, Legon, on Tuesday, October 27. He made a donation, delivered a goodwill message from his brother Jordan, the current captain, and urged the players to go for gold.

Minister of Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku has given GH¢50,000 and pledged poultry business opportunities for the players under the government’s Nkoko Nketenkete programme, aimed at securing their livelihoods beyond football.

The Black Challenge arrive as African champions, with continental titles in 2021, 2023 and 2024. Their group includes Angola, the 2018 world champions and 2022 runners-up.

The GFA has thanked Paralympic Committee President Samson Deen and his team, and urged the nation to keep backing the squad. The GFA remains committed to providing the financial, logistical and technical support the Black Challenge need to represent Ghana at the Global Stage

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