Super Falcons players visited South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado in hospital on Wednesday, a day after the winger sustained a traumatic injury during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash in Casablanca.
The Nigerian players presented Salgado with a signed Super Falcons jersey as a gesture of solidarity and goodwill. The visit, which took place at the Mohamed VI University Hospital, was a continuation of the team’s emotional response to the incident on the pitch.
The team also extended heartfelt solidarity to Banyana Banyana, with a statement signed by media officer Mary Akinsola, noting that the entire delegation, players, coaches, and staff, were “profoundly saddened” by the distressing sight of the injured player being stretchered off in pain.
“Our immediate thoughts are solely with her for comfort, care, and the recovery journey ahead,” the statement read.
Salgado underwent successful surgery on Wednesday at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, where she remains under care and will recuperate until she returns to South Africa with the rest of the Banyana Banyana squad next week.
Providing a medical update, Banyana Banyana team doctor, Dr Lindi Mokoena, explained, “Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria and underwent a successful surgery.
“She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she received exceptional care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF and the hospital.”
Dr Mokoena also praised CAF and the hospital staff for their professionalism, noting that the South African Football Association was fully confident in the procedure being done in Morocco.
Messages of support for Salgado have continued to pour in across the continent, including one from South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, who acknowledged both the difficulty of the moment and the bravery of the player.
“Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana’s Gabriela Salgado as we wish her a comfortable and speedy recovery from her traumatic injury in last night’s WAFCON semi-final against a victorious Nigeria,” President Ramaphosa said.
“I know you’re a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and you’re a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch. The nation wishes you well,” he added.
Salgado’s teammates, visibly shaken by the incident, paid her a visit in hospital the same night following her stabilisation.
Meanwhile, South Africa are set to face Ghana in the third-place match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Friday night, while Nigeria will meet hosts Morocco in Saturday’s final
