Former Black Stars captain André “Dede” Ayew has challenged Ghana’s national amputee football team, the Black Challenge, to target World Cup gold after visiting the squad in training at Ajax Park at Legon in Accra on Tuesday, to offer encouragement and financial support ahead of their campaign in Mexico.

Ayew, whose donation was not officially disclosed, urged the players to believe in themselves as they prepare to represent Ghana at the November 13–22, 2026 tournament.

“I’m here to support and give you all the love and power that I can give you, and to wish you great luck. I hope that you guys will bring us a medal, but the gold will be better,” he told the team.

The former Black Stars skipper also delivered goodwill message from his kid brother and current national team captain Jordan Ayew.

“My younger brother Jordan says he’s also wishing you good luck,” he added, reinforcing the family’s support for the reigning African champions.

Ayew went beyond words by testing his football skills in a penalty shootout against the team’s goalkeeper while using crutches, in a moment that highlighted the players’ determination and the importance of inclusion in sport.

Ghana have been drawn in Group D alongside Angola, Colombia and Iraq for the World Cup in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, where 24 national teams will compete for the title. The Black Challenge are seeking to translate their continental dominance into a maiden world crown.

Ayew’s visit follows a growing wave of support for the team. Dancehall star Stonebwoy donated GH¢100,000 after visiting the players last week, while Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah contributed GH¢10,000, water and soft drinks.

Minister of Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku has 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 show of solidarity comes as the team prepares for the global competition amid logistical challenges, including visa-related delays affecting plans for a pre-tournament training camp in Türkiye.

Ayew’s message adds to the national call for government, corporate institutions and philanthropists to support the Black Challenge as they carry Ghana’s flag to Mexico.

Ayew’s visit follows a growing wave of support for the team. Dancehall star Stonebwoy donated GH¢100,000 after visiting the players last week, while Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah contributed GH¢10,000, water and soft drinks.

Minister of Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku has 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 show of solidarity comes as the team prepares for the global competition amid logistical challenges, including visa-related delays affecting plans for a pre-tournament training camp in Türkiye.

Ayew’s message adds to the national call for government, corporate institutions and philanthropists to support the Black Challenge as they carry Ghana’s flag to Mexico.