Nigeria’s Super Falcons demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship on Wednesday as they visited injured South African winger Gabriela Salgado in hospital, a day after she suffered a horrific leg fracture during their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash in Casablanca.
The Nigerian delegation, led by team officials and players, presented Salgado with a signed Super Falcons jersey at Mohamed VI University Hospital where the Banyana Banyana player underwent successful surgery. The emotional visit came after several Falcons players were visibly distraught witnessing Salgado’s traumatic injury during Tuesday’s match.
In an official statement signed by media officer Mary Akinsola, the Nigerian team expressed profound sadness over the incident. “Our immediate thoughts are solely with her for comfort, care and the recovery journey ahead,” the statement read. “The spirit of competition instantly fades in moments like these, replaced by a shared sense of care for a fellow athlete.”
South Africa’s team doctor Lindi Mokoena confirmed Salgado sustained a mid-shaft fracture of her left leg during the match against Nigeria. “She underwent successful surgery and will be out of action for the rest of the year,” Mokoena said, praising the medical teams from CAF and the Moroccan hospital for their exceptional care.
Messages of support have poured in across the continent, including from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who described Salgado as “a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch.” The president added, “The nation wishes you well” in his public statement.
Salgado’s teammates visited her immediately after the match once she was stabilized. She will remain under observation in Morocco before returning home with the Banyana squad next week.
The incident has cast a shadow over South Africa’s preparations for Friday’s third-place playoff against Ghana, while Nigeria focuses on Saturday’s final against hosts Morocco. The Super Falcons’ gesture has been widely praised as exemplifying the true spirit of African football beyond rivalry and competition.
This display of solidarity comes at a crucial moment in women’s football on the continent, with the WAFCON tournament having showcased both competitive intensity and mutual respect among participating nations. The Falcons’ visit underscores football’s unique ability to unite even the fiercest competitors in moments of adversity.
As the tournament concludes this weekend, Salgado’s recovery journey begins, supported by the entire African football community that has rallied behind the injured star. Medical officials expect her to make a full recovery, though she faces months of rehabilitation before returning to the pitch.
