Members of the Super Falcons team paid a visit to South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado at the hospital on Wednesday, one day after the player suffered a severe injury during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match in Casablanca.
The Nigerian players presented Salgado with a signed Super Falcons jersey as a token of unity and support. This hospital visit at Mohamed VI University Hospital was an extension of the team’s heartfelt reaction to the incident that occurred on the field.
A statement signed by media officer Mary Akinsola conveyed heartfelt solidarity to Banyana Banyana, with the entire delegation expressing profound sadness at the player’s distressing injury.
The statement read: “Our immediate thoughts are solely with her for comfort, care, and the recovery journey ahead,” the statement read.
The team confirmed that some Nigerian players were visibly emotional during the match and were keen to follow up the next day with a personal visit to the South African star.
Their statement reaffirmed unwavering support, saying: “As fellow members of this football community, the Super Falcons NGR stands firmly alongside Banyana Banyana in solidarity and support.”
“Our collective wish is for Gabriela’s steady healing, renewed strength, and a return to the pitch when she is ready, surrounded by the unwavering support of the team and community,” the team added.
Salgado underwent a successful surgical procedure at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca.
She is currently receiving care and will recuperate until her return to South Africa with the Banyana Banyana squad next week.
Dr. Lindi Mokoena, the team’s doctor, reported that ‘Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the match 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 commended CAF and the hospital staff for their professionalism, highlighting the South African Football Association’s confidence in the procedure being performed in Mbravery
Messages of support for Salgado continued to pour in across the continent, including one from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who acknowledged the difficulty of the moment and the player’s bravery.
“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.
The same night, after Salgado was stabilized, her teammates, visibly affected by the incident, paid her a hospital visit.
South Africa is scheduled to play Ghana in the third-place match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Friday night, and Nigeria will face Morocco, the host nation, in the final match on Saturday.
