Ghana and Toulouse star Francis Abu has begun the long road to recovery after successfully undergoing surgery in Japan, following the horrific injury he suffered during the Black Stars’ international friendly against Japan in the 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup.
The 24-year-old midfielder’s match came to a devastating end when he suffered a double leg fracture midway through the second half of Ghana’s 2-0 loss. The sight of Abu in agony as he was stretchered off shocked teammates, opponents, and fans alike, with immediate fears over the severity of the injury.
The Ghana Football Association has now confirmed that Abu’s operation, carried out in Japan, was successful, marking the first major step in what is expected to be a demanding rehab journey. In a statement, the GFA detailed the collaborative efforts behind the scenes involving national team medical staff, Toulouse FC doctors, and Japanese specialists.
“Following the incident during the game between Ghana and Japan, where Abu Francis suffered a fracture of two bones, the Ghana Football Association, through the efforts of Dr. Prince Pambo, Black Stars head of medical, his colleagues from Toulouse FC, and the surgical team in Japan, is happy to inform the public that Francis Abu has successfully undergone surgery, and the acute phase of his rehabilitation has commenced,” the statement read.
🩺 Medical Update: Abu Francis 🚨
We are pleased to confirm that Abu Francis has successfully undergone surgery in Japan following his injury against Japan.
🔗 more on: https://t.co/F5q88ZGOGQ@AbuFrancis16 pic.twitter.com/BaCNFkYgjZ
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) November 16, 2025
To ensure Abu receives the best possible care, a physiotherapist has been assigned to remain by his side during the early stages of his recovery. Further plans are already in motion: once discharged from Toyota Memorial Hospital, he will be escorted back to France by a senior technical team member as he continues treatment.
“The Ghana Football Association is grateful to everyone who supported us in this journey,” the statement continued. “We are particularly grateful to the Black Stars management and the technical team for their support during these last few days, and will continue to count on their support during the rehabilitation process in our quest to ensure that the player returns to full fitness.”
Tanaka Ao apologises after tackle that injured Ghana’s Francis Abu
Abu, regarded as one of Ghana’s rising midfield talents, now faces months away from the pitch, but both club and country maintain full faith in his comeback.
