Ghana midfielder Abu Francis faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a horrific leg injury during the Black Stars’ international friendly against Japan in Nagoya.
The 24-year-old collapsed in agony after his right leg appeared to twist unnaturally while attempting to block a powerful shot from Japan’s Ao Tanaka early in the second half.
The incident immediately drew alarm from both sets of players. Francis, who had rushed to close down Tanaka’s strike, planted his leg awkwardly and saw it bend backward on impact.
Several Ghanaian players signalled frantically for medical assistance as the midfielder screamed in pain.
He was stretchered off in the 56th minute and rushed to Toyota Memorial Hospital, where scans later confirmed fractures to the tibia and fibula, along with damage to the ankle.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) said in a statement that Francis is “stable and under observation,” adding: “Our medical team and doctors from Toulouse FC are coordinating on the next steps. The player will undergo surgery, and we will continue to update the public.”
The injury is a major setback for the young midfielder, who has been building an impressive profile at Toulouse FC in France.
The club later issued its own update, calling the injury “very serious” and confirming that Francis will be out “for several months.”
“These are images nobody wants to see,” Toulouse wrote. “Abu will be supported throughout his recovery. We wish him strength and a speedy return.”
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo described the moment as “heartbreaking,” insisting the entire squad was visibly shaken. “When you see a player in that much pain, it affects everyone,” Addo said after the match. “We are praying for him. He is a big part of our plans.”
Japan’s Ao Tanaka, visibly upset by the incident, approached the Ghana bench after the final whistle to express sympathy. “It was an accident. I hope he recovers quickly,” he said.
The timing of the injury is a blow to the Black Stars’ World Cup ambitions. Francis has grown into an important option in midfield, praised for his energy, intelligence and ability to transition play quickly — qualities the Black Stars had counted on ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Football analysts say the injury will force Ghana to rethink its midfield options, but caution against rushing to fill Francis’s role.
“You don’t replace a player like Abu easily,” one commentator noted. “His dynamism is unique.”
For now, the focus shifts to his surgery and rehabilitation.
Medical experts suggest he could be out for the rest of the season, depending on how quickly the fractures heal.
Despite the grim setback, messages of support have poured in from fans, teammates and international players.
As one national teammate posted shortly after the match: “Stay strong, Abu. You’ll come back even better.”
