Black Stars winger, Ernest Nuamah, is the latest Ghanaian footballer to suffer an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The 21-year-old sustained the injury during Olympique Lyon’s 2-1 win over Lille on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
He was forced off just seven minutes into the game and was replaced by Rayan Cherki.
The injury is a major setback for Nuamah, who had just earned a place in Lyon’s starting lineup due to his impressive form over the past three months.
This marks the first major injury of his young career, making him the fifth Ghanaian footballer to suffer an ACL injury this season.
Alarmingly, ACL injuries among Ghanaian players have been on the rise in the last two years, with Nuamah becoming the sixth Black Stars player to sustain the devastating injury.
According to reports, the winger could be sidelined for at least six months. Before the injury, Nuamah had been in excellent form, contributing to five goals in his last seven games across all competitions — scoring four and assisting one.
An ACL injury is a serious knee injury involving the tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament, which connects the thighbone to the shinbone at the knee joint.
The minimum recovery period after surgery is typically between six and nine months.
Following Nuamah’s injury, GhanaWeb takes a look at four other Black Stars players who have suffered ACL injuries this season.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
Former Ghana U-20 star, Fatawu Issahaku, tore his ACL during the Black Stars’ 2025 AFCON qualifier against Angola in November 2024.
He is currently in the final phase of his recovery and is expected to return to action next season.
Alidu Seidu – Stade Rennais
Stade Rennais defender, Alidu Seidu, sustained an ACL injury in 2024.
His recovery process is progressing well, and he is expected to return to action in the summer.
Baba Iddrisu – UD Almeria
Former Real Mallorca midfielder, Baba Iddrisu, suffered an ACL injury in December 2024.
He sustained a grade 2 sprain in the internal lateral ligament of his left knee, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
Abdul Mumin – Rayo Vallecano/b>
Rayo Vallecano defender, Abdul Mumin, tore his ACL on March 4, 2025, during a match against Sevilla.
He has been ruled out for the season and is expected to return in the 2025/2026 campaign.
The list extends to six players in the last two years, with Daniel Kofi Kyereh included.
Daniel Kofi Kyereh – Frieburg
Black Stars midfielder, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, has not played competitive football in nearly two years.
The German-born Ghanaian ruptured his ACL in 2023 — the second such injury of his career, having suffered a similar setback in his youth days.
Although Kyereh made a brief return in 2024, complications in his knee required another surgery, further delaying his comeback.
His exact recovery date remains unknown.
EE/AE
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians applaud Black Stars for excellent performances against Chad, Madagascar
