Spain’s Ambassador to Ghana, Ángel Lossada Torres-Quevedo, has offered words of encouragement to the Black Challenge ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico, expressing solidarity with the team while highlighting the wider importance of disability rights and inclusion.
The Ambassador made the remarks during a visit to Ghana’s national amputee football team at the Mendiata Hotel in Accra on Thursday, October 29, where he met the 15 players and members of the technical team ahead of their departure for the November 13–22 tournament.
Describing the players as allies, Lossada Torres-Quevedo assured them of his support, although he acknowledged that his allegiance would be tested if Ghana and Spain meet in the final.
Spain have been drawn in Group B alongside Türkiye, Nigeria and Egypt, while Ghana are in Group D with Colombia, Angola and Iraq, setting up the possibility of a meeting between the two countries in the knockout stages if they progress.
“For me, you are allies. If, at the end of the World Cup, I am in the camp of the Spanish side, if there is a final like that, but I will be on your side in this process,” he said.
He urged the players to recognise that their mission extends beyond winning matches, stressing that the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities must remain central to society.
“At the end of the day, sport is important, but the rights of persons with disabilities are more important. You are already very good, and I wish you all the best,” he added.
President of the Ghana Amputee Football Association, Foster Kwarteng, thanked the Ambassador for his longstanding support for disability sports and his engagement with the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana.
The visit adds to the growing support for the Black Challenge, who have also received encouragement from former Black Stars captain André Ayew and musician Stonebwoy, who donated GH¢100,000 to the team.
Minister of Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku also donated GH¢50,000 on behalf of his ministry and pledged poultry-business opportunities under the government’s ‘Nkoko Nketenkete’ programme for all 20 members of Ghana’s contingent.
The Ghana Football Association has also activated US$500,000 earmarked for the team under its two-year sponsorship agreement with Gold Fields Ghana, to support expenses including accommodation, feeding, flights and allowances.
Having won back-to-back African titles, the Black Challenge are targeting a historic world crown in Mexico, with the Ambassador’s message serving as another reminder that their campaign represents both sporting ambition and the pursuit of greater recognition and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
