Mr. Samson Deen, President of the African Paralympic Committee (APC) and the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana, has tipped the Black Challenge of Ghana to win this year’s World Amputee Football Federation Championship, which comes off in Mexico.
The WAFF Amputee Football World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from November 13–22, 2026, in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. Supported by the FIFA Foundation, the tournament features 24 qualified nations from around the world.
Group A consists of Mexico, Italy, Liberia, and Algeria. Group D features a highly anticipated lineup, featuring Iraq, Colombia, the former finalists Angola, and the reigning African champions, Ghana.
Speaking at a special ‘Dine With The Black Challenge’ send-off party held on Thursday immediately after their training at the Mensah Sabah Hall Park, University of Ghana, he said that, given the preparations and motivation granted to the team, he fully believes they will go out there to beat every opponent.
He noted that the National Amputee Football team, like all national teams, deserves the support of the government and people of Ghana.
“The Black Challenge has been three-time African champions, and this time, they are going to be world champions. In fact, they will be very happy today,” he expressed.
Samson Deen, who inspired international star Zinabu Issah to win Ghana’s only silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, hinted that he is using the same ‘target the podium’ style to inspire the football team, hoping that they will remain united, focused and disciplined.
He hailed the Ghana Football Association (GFA), which facilitated the Goldfields Ghana $250 000 sponsorship package, and the support of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation as well as the media.
Mr. Emmanuel Akpabli. Welfare Officer of the team said their doors are open for any kind of cash support. He said the Black Challenge is an exciting side to watch because they create scenes on the field, the team is enjoying the best camping period, and they are highly motivated.
Coach Stephen Richard Obeng has selected a strong team who are ready to die for the nation.
Captain Richard Arthur Opentil thanked Ghanaians for the love and support, assuring that they will go and defend the flag of Ghana.
“This is the first time such a dinner has taken place, and we feel the love from many people around us,” he expressed.
The Black Challenge squad includes Isaah Jabel, Atsu Abor, Timothy Hayford, Richmond Fosu, Hamza Mohammed, Fuseini Iddi, Razak Seidu, Joseph Baidoo, and Emmanuel Allotey. Others are Sampson Larbie, Joseph Amoh, Richard Ekwarm, Prince Nyarko, Isaac Eshun and Yusif Yaya.
The team has been camped at the Mendiata Hotel at Achimota in Accra and they expressed sincere gratitude to the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Ghana.
Present at the ‘Dine with the Black Challenge’ were Hon Kobby Woyome and about 60 traditional and social media practitioners, aka bloggers.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
