For the first time in history, the continent's best footballers living with a hearing disability will compete for a continental crown when the inaugural African Deaf Nations Cup kicks off in Libreville, Gabon, from November 12 to 26, 2026.
The tournament, the brainchild of Deaf African Football Confederation (DAFC) president Ibrahim Adjagbé, promises to be a breakthrough moment for inclusive sport on the continent, bringing athletes and coaching staff from 16 nations who are determined to prove that football's biggest stage belongs to everyone.
Since being elected DAFC president in 2025, Adjagbé has been on a mission to transform a long-held dream into reality.
“This exceptional competition highlights the talent and determination of athletes living with hearing impairments, and for this reason, we are seeking the support of Gabon’s highest authorities,” Ibrahim Adjagbé tells TRT Afrika.
High expectations
The stakes are high. While a Deaf Football World Cup has existed since 2008, Africa has never staged its own continental championship. The upcoming tournament is expected to fill that gap and provide a major platform for deaf athletes who have often competed outside the spotlight.
DAFC says local organisers have already begun administrative and logistical preparations as they seek final backing from the country's authorities.
“We are convinced that Gabon’s highest authorities will enable our nation to serve as an exemplary host country, ensuring a prestigious and inclusive setting to welcome this pan-African event and promote sporting excellence among the deaf community in Gabon and across Africa,” says Ibrahim.
The road to Libreville is already taking shape. Mali, Senegal, Ghana, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Gambia, Nigeria, Niger, Guinea, Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Libya and Côte d'Ivoire have all confirmed their participation, with the host nation expected to complete a 16-team field.
Unique version of football
Beyond the competition itself, the tournament will showcase a unique version of the world's most popular sport.
Matches will be played under international deaf football regulations. Referees communicate through highly visible gestures and flags rather than relying solely on whistles, while players depend on visual cues from officials, teammates and coaching staff.
The result is a fast-paced and intensely focused game where communication takes on a different but equally effective form.
For Adjagbé, however, the tournament is about more than football.
He sees it as an opportunity to showcase African excellence, challenge perceptions about disability and create new opportunities for deaf athletes across the continent.
If successful, the inaugural African Deaf Nations Cup could become a permanent fixture on the African sporting calendar, opening a new chapter for inclusive football and giving thousands of young deaf players a dream to chase.
Adjagbé expresses his hope for the unwavering support of the Minister of Sports and the President of the Gabonese Republic, with the event viewed as an exciting challenge for Gabon and for inclusive African sports.
