Spain’s Ambassador to Ghana, Angel Lossada Torres-Quevedo, has pledged his support to Ghana’s Black Challenge as they prepare for the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
Lossada Torres-Quevedo visited the national amputee football team at the Mendiata Hotel in Accra on Thursday, October 29, meeting the 15 players and members of the technical team before their departure for the tournament, which runs from November 13–22.
The Ambassador described the Ghanaian players as allies, while admitting that his loyalty could be tested if Ghana and Spain reach the final.
Spain will play in Group B alongside Turkiye, Nigeria and Egypt. Ghana are in Group D with Colombia, Angola and Iraq, meaning the two teams could meet in the knockout stages if they advance from their respective groups.
“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.
Lossada Torres-Quevedo also emphasised that the team’s role goes beyond competing for results, urging the players to help promote the rights and dignity of people with disabilities.
“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.
The President of the Ghana Amputee Football Association, Foster Kwarteng, thanked the Ambassador for his continued backing of disability sports and for his engagement with the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana.
The visit comes as support for the Black Challenge continues to grow. Former Black Stars captain Andre Ayew has offered words of encouragement, while musician Stonebwoy donated GH¢100,000 to the team.
Minister of Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku has also contributed GH¢50,000 on behalf of his ministry. He pledged poultry-business opportunities through the government’s ‘Nkoko Nketenkete’ programme for all 20 members of Ghana’s contingent.
The Ghana Football Association has activated US$500,000 set aside for the team under its two-year sponsorship agreement with Gold Fields Ghana. The money will help cover accommodation, feeding, flights and allowances.
The Black Challenge enter the competition as back-to-back African champions and are seeking a first world title in Mexico. Their preparations have therefore attracted support not only for their sporting objective, but also for the wider campaign for recognition, equal opportunities and inclusion for persons with disabilities.
